Comment by Ugandan Newspaper Names Claimed Gay People

Geneva, 27 February 2014 - Comment attributable to OHCHR’s Spokesperson, Cécile Pouilly, on the publication by a Ugandan newspaper of the names of people claimed to be homosexuals

“The publication by a newspaper in Uganda of the names and photos of people it claims are homosexual not only violates the right to privacy, it also demonstrates the very real danger that the new Anti-Homosexuality law will encourage acts of violence and harassment against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.”

“The High Court of Uganda has previously ruled in the Rolling Stone case that publishing such lists amounts to a violation of the rights to dignity and privacy protected by the Ugandan Constitution.”

“We reiterate that media organisations should refrain from fuelling hatred and attacks on the basis of sexual orientation.”

“We further reiterate our call upon the Ugandan authorities to take urgent steps to protect all persons from discrimination and violence regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They should review the criminal legal provisions targeting LGBT people and make sure that attacks against LGBT people are investigated, and alleged perpetrators prosecuted. It is of vital importance that human rights defenders are able to carry out their critical work without fear of attack or prosecution.”

ENDS

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