HRCU WEEKLY UPDATES: ISSUE NO. 9 OF 2024
THE
WEEK OF 25TH MARCH TO 1ST APRIL 2024
Dear
reader,
Welcome
to the month of April 2024!
As
we return from the Easter festivities, we hope that each of us had time of reflection,
renewal, and unity. HRCU continues to remind us of the inherent dignity and
worth of every individual. Just as Easter symbolizes hope and liberation, the
pursuit of human rights aims to uplift and empower HRDs around the world to work
for better for all.
These
were some of the key issues that emerged last week.
THE NEED TO PROTECT AND
PROMOTE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS: RUKUNGIRI HEAD TEACHER ARRESTED OVER DEFILING TWO
TEENAGERS
James
Baryebuza, a 58-year-old head teacher of Karukaata primary school, Rukungiri
district was been arrested for allegedly defiling and assaulting two pupils.
Baryebuza
is alleged to have defiled a 14 and 15-year-old pupil of the same school
between August 2023 and March 2024. The
victims on Thursday last week narrated their ordeal to the school's senior
woman teacher.
The
teacher, whose identity has been withheld alerted district education
authorities and security authorities at Nyarushanje police station.
Elly
Maate, police spokesperson for Kigezi region said that Baryebuza was arrested
on Friday and taken to Rukungiri police station as investigations into the
matter continue. The case is registered at Rukungiri police station under file
number SD 21/26/03/2024.
TACKLING REFUGEE RIGHTS
AND WELFARE: OUTGOING USAID MISSION DIRECTOR URGES REFUGEE FUNDING STRATEGIES
The
Uganda outgoing Mission Director at USAID Richard L Nelson calls for new
strategies of acquiring funds to support refugees in the country.
In
his farewell message, Nelson noted that the level of funding for refugees in
Uganda has shrunk, leaving many refugees with no access to basic needs,
including healthcare, and education.
“Resources
are going down globally for refugee support, so we have to figure out a new way
to support the refugee population, Uganda has had a very progressive level of
powers in welcoming refugees and we support that but it’s becoming increasingly
difficult to find funding for them”Nelson explained.
He
also commended the ministry of health for its efforts in saving people’s lives
most especially during the Covid-19 crisis where in collaboration they managed
to fully vaccinate over 50% of the eligible population.
THE LAW AND JUSTICE: SOUTH
AFRICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR KIDNAPPING ZIMBABWEAN IN UGANDA
A
South African national, Joachim Ugochukwu Onyeako has been sentenced to 30
years in jail for kidnapping a Zimbabwean national with the intention to
procure a ransom.
Onyeako
was sentenced by a panel of three Court of Appeal justices; deputy chief
justice Richard Buteera, Christopher Gashirabake, and Oscar Kihiika on grounds
that the offence to kidnap Ross Robert James was planned and well executed in
Uganda by international criminals who included Onyeako.
Documents
before the court show that on July 21, 2013, the victim received an email
interesting him in an investment opportunity of assisting one Luciana Ford to
relocate her family fortune of $20 million from Zimbabwe to Australia. The
documents indicate that communications followed after the email and the victim
exchanged telephone contacts with the author of the first email. Other emails
were received from one Michael Oweni, the "attorney" of Ford.
REGIONAL UPDATE
PROMOTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS
AND EQUALITY: CONGO PRESIDENT TSHISEKEDI APPOINTS JUDITH SUMINWA AS PRIME
MINISTER
Democratic
Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday last week appointed
the country's first ever female prime minister, naming Planning Minister Judith
Suminwa to the role.
Her
appointment ends weeks of uncertainty. Tshisekedi's inauguration for a second
term in January kick started a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the
National Assembly - a key step before a prime minister could be named and a
government formed.
"I
am aware of the great responsibility ... We will work for peace and the
development of the country," Suminwa said on national television.
The
authorities face a raft of challenges including a worsening conflict and
humanitarian crisis in eastern regions and the management of Congo's
considerable mineral wealth.
In
his first term, Tshisekedi promised to root out endemic corruption, rebuild the
economy, tackle deep inequalities and curb the eastern insecurity, but critics
say he fell short on all counts.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
PEACE TALKS: UN SECURITY
COUNCIL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE GAZA TRUCE AS US ABSTAINS
The
United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday demanding an
immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas after the
United States abstained from the vote, sparking a spat with its ally Israel.
The
remaining 14 council members voted for the resolution - proposed by the 10
elected members of the body - that also demands the immediate and unconditional
release of all hostages. There was applause in the council chamber after the
vote.
"This
resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable," UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on social media.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the failure of the US to veto the
resolution was a "clear retreat" from its previous position and would
hurt Israel's war efforts and bid to release more than 130 hostages still held
by Hamas.
The
US was perplexed by Israel's decision and considered it an overreaction, said a
US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Washington
had been averse to the word ceasefire earlier in the nearly six-month-old war
in the Gaza Strip and had used its veto power to shield ally Israel as it
retaliated against Hamas for an October 7 attack that Israel says killed 1,200
people.
But
as famine looms in Gaza and amid growing global pressure for a truce in the war
that Palestinian health authorities say has killed some 32,000 people, the US
abstained on Monday to allow the Security Council to demand an immediate
ceasefire for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks.
CONCLUDING REMARKS AND OBSERVATIONS
1.
The
imperative to protect children's rights, including the fundamental right to
education, is paramount in ensuring their holistic development and future
success. Education serves as a cornerstone for the fulfillment of children's
potential, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for a
better life. As we strive to create a world where every child can exercise
their right to education, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness
of education with other rights, such as health, protection, and participation.
2.
The
outgoing USAID Mission Director's call for enhanced refugee funding strategies
underscores the critical importance of addressing the rights and welfare of
refugees, who are among the world's most vulnerable populations. As conflicts,
persecution, and other forms of violence continue to displace millions of
people globally, it is imperative that we prioritize comprehensive approaches
to support refugees and uphold their rights.
3.
The
unlawful deprivation of personal freedom, whether through arbitrary detention,
forced disappearance, or other forms of illegal confinement, has profound and
far-reaching effects on individuals, families, and communities. This egregious
violation of human rights not only undermines the rule of law but also inflicts
severe harm on the victims and their loved ones. It is therefore important we
condemn such practices unequivocally, demand accountability for those
responsible, and work tirelessly to uphold the principles of justice and human
rights.
4.
The
appointment of Judith Suminwa as Prime Minister by President Tshisekedi of DRC
marks a significant step forward in promoting women's rights and gender
equality in the country. This historic decision not only recognizes the immense
talent and leadership capabilities of women but also reaffirms the commitment
of the Congolese government to advance gender equality and empower women in
positions of leadership and decision-making.
5.
The
recent call by the UN Security Council for an immediate truce in Gaza
highlights the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian
crisis in the region. As tensions escalate and civilian casualties mount, the
need for a cessation of hostilities becomes increasingly pressing to prevent
further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the
violence.
Thank you for reading.
Happy new week!
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