Support peaceful protests – world leaders told
By George Murumba
23rd January 2012:
Security officers quelling protests with teargas
US-based human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch [HRW] has said that firm and consistent international support for peaceful protesters and government critics is the best way to pressure autocrats to end abuses and enhance basic freedoms.
In its 676-page World Report 2012 which reviewed human rights practices and in particular abuses in over 90 countries around the globe, HRW said a principled insistence on respect for rights is also the best way to help popular movements steer clear of the intolerance, lawlessness, and revenge that can threaten a revolution from within.
It also pointed a big accusing finger at the African Union (AU), saying it “…has been wary of the Arab Spring, even though the AU was ostensibly created to support democracy and freedom.” The rights groups also said the transitional governments in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt need help to revise their repressive laws and rebuild the governance institutions that autocrats deliberately left weak and underdeveloped.
It also said police and other security officers who harass and torture protesters must be left in no doubt that they will be help personally accountable for their actions. “…Until security forces and government officials have a reasonable expectation that their misconduct will land them in court, the temptation to resort to abuse, violence, and corruption will be hard to resist.” HRW said.
For example, the Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] Party President Dr Kizza Besigye last week accused some of the security officers who violently arrested him and other A4C activists of being “high on some drugs”, a claim the police has dismissed. If Dr Besigye is proved right however, then Human Rights Watch would clearly want to see those officers held personally liable in the courts of law for their misconduct.
HRW also pointed out that many Western democracies have allowed their ties with repressive allies to temper their support for human rights. “…Loyalty to autocratic friends shouldn’t stand in the way of siding with democratic reformers.” said Mr Kenneth Roth, the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch.
The global rights watchdog added that the international community could play an important role in fostering the growth of rights-respecting democracies. “…For reasons of principle and long-term interest, Western governments should stand firm with the people…when they demand their basic rights and work to ensure the transition to genuine democracies.” HRW said.
The group’s Executive Director Mr Kenneth Roth in particular, sent out some powerful messages in the press release seen by Uganda Correspondent. He said, “…the events of the past year show that the forced silence of people living under autocrats should never have been mistaken for popular complacency.
In part of his concluding remarks, Mr Roth said, “…as we mark the first anniversary of the Arab Spring, we should stand firmly for the rights and aspirations of the individual over the spoils of the tyrant.” END: Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
