By. Damba Rogers
Human rights defender groups are being urged to form coalitions under which they can operate ahead of the 2021 elections.
The was made
by the United Nations Commissioner of Human Rights, Robert Kotchani during a
dialogue organized to commemorate the International Human Rights Defenders
today in Kampala. The
event is marked under the theme, ”Standup for human rights: situating synergies
towards protection of human rights”.
According to
Kotchani, with the worsening climate under which human rights defenders are
forced to work in with in the country, the only way they can have any impact in
the coming elections is if they work together as a united font instead of as
different entities.
“Human
rights defenders, civil society and government all need to work together to
through dialogue to create a conducive environment where they can all operate
for the good of the people. Government needs human rights defenders the same
way human rights defenders need government to function,” Kotchani said.
Echoing what
Kotchani said, reknown lawyer and human rights activist, Nicholas Opio says
that it is important for human rights defenders to work with government because
it makes the laws in the space within which they operate. He however cautions
the leadership of formed coalition groups not to fight the groups they are
supposed to protect.
“We need
coalitions but so many times we see coalitions fighting for the same funding
that the human rights defenders need. You find them wanting to take the little
that is available. This is not right. It defeats the purpose for the creation
of the groups,” Opio cautioned.
Hassan
Shire, the director of African defenders says that in addition to forming coalitions,
human rights groups need to stop lamenting about shrinking spaces and put
effort into stopping the closure of CSOs globally.
The Ugnada
Police is cisted as one of the biggest offenders of human rights abuses
reported in the country accounting for more than 20 percent of reported cases.
Despite what
many describe as a toxic relationship, the commandant in charge of the Police
training College in Bwebajja, Dr. John Kamya says that police is ready to work
with human rights defenders and offer support as they carry out their duties.
END