Protests Against Attacks on Namibian Gays
UN Integrated Regional Information Network
(IRIN), April 6, 2001
NAIROBI—International human rights group Amnesty International said it was
concerned that recent statements by Namibian President Sam Nujoma may lead to
the persecution of individuals identified as lesbian or gay and to further
attacks on human rights groups advocating support for lesbian and gay rights.
"The government of Namibia is obliged to fully protect the rights of
all its people, including gays and lesbians. Public officials must not incite
discrimination, hostility or violence against members of sexual
minorities," Andrew Anderson, Amnesty International’s Africa program
director said in a statement.
"Amnesty International considers those imprisoned for their sexual
orientation, or for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of
expression and assembly, to be prisoners of conscience," Anderson added.
In a statement this week the Namibian Society for Human Rights (NSHR) accused
Nujoma of dividing Namibians following his public attacks on sexual and racial
minority groups.
The NSHR said Nujoma should not ignore his constitutional obligation to
uphold, protect and defend peace and democracy as the constitution of the
country stated. "He has to faithfully obey, execute and administer the
laws of the country as provided in terms of Article 30 of the Namibia
Constitution dealing with the presidential oath and affirmation," the
NSHR said.
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