The Ugandan government is calling for the closure of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), whose last mandate, renewed four years ago, ends on Thursday 9 February. However, in a letter received by the UN organization on Monday February 6, Kampala announced that it would not renew its mission, believing that it had institutions and NGOs that were strong and experienced enough to be able to do without it.
17 years after its opening, the UN human rights office in Kampala could close. In any case, this is the will of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In their letter, the authorities recall that the OHCHR had initially opened its branch to focus on the conflict in the North between the central government and the rebels. However, today, the whole country is peaceful “, says the government.
He also recalls that the UN has created a center on human rights which has made it possible to train civil servants, state organizations and members of civil society. Now Uganda has a ” strong commitment to education and protection of human rights “, of ” strong institutions and a vibrant civil society capable of overseeing the whole country “, says the government.
Bernard Amwine, from OHCHR in Kampala, confirms having received the letter. He explains that a formal response from the headquarters of the organization in Geneva is awaited “, and that in the meantime, ” discussions at the highest level are continuing.
The case nevertheless worries in the country. Anthony Masake, of the NGO Chapter Four, believes that ” the United Nations still has a strategic and complementary role to play, including the provision of technical cooperation “. ” We hope that the negotiations will clear up any misunderstandings before the office closes for good. he says.