PRESS STATEMENT: PROTECTION OF WORKERS AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS FROM INTIMIDATION!!
- 10 November 2016 -
- Written by Laspnet
- Hits: 11102
Suffice it to note that the aggrieved workers are entitled to legal representation. We would like all parties to note that FIDA-Uganda is an approved law chamber and thus are acting in their professional capacity to offer legal aid and other support services to their client. Their harassment is therefore a violation of principal 1 of the UN Basic Principles on the role of the Lawyer.
We are therefore appalled by the turn of events in this matter where Human Rights Defenders and Lawyers offering support are being attacked and forced to move patients /workers who have rights to seek medical treatment in a facility of their choice and to privacy as provided for under article 27 of the Constitution. We are also concerned with the continued violation of the legal profession in the course of their duty in Uganda which is unacceptable and against the democratic principles of a civilized society and rule of law. We condemn in the strongest terms: such levels of impunity, disregard for human rights and failure to accept responsibility to address the anomalies leading to health hazards by the flower farm. The harassment, threats and attacks on Human Rights Defenders and affected women workers are absurd, unfortunate, deplorable, and only meant to instill fear.
WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED that instead of Government, Royal Van Zanten and Human Rights Defenders sitting down to have an amicable solution to this matter, personal attacks are being levelled against Human Rights Defenders and other persons supporting the women to get justice.
WE ACCORDINGLY CALL UPON THE RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
1. WE APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA as a member of International Labour Organization (ILO) to:
Enforce the several laws under this Convention, national laws and protect the human rights of these workers:
Exercise its mandate conferred upon it by the Constitution and the people to safeguard, protect and guarantee the rights of Ugandans as enshrined in the Constitution.
Uphold the ‘UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.’ Accordingly in Article 1 and 12, the State is obligated to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all.
2. THE PARLIAMENT TO :
Pass the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill into law and play its oversight role of government actions or lack of action including causing an independent investigation into this matter
3. ROYAL VAN ZANTEN TO:
- Put in place good working conditions, use the right chemicals and ensure that workers are protected from risks as according to Section 13 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006, which obligates employers to provide a safe working environment free from any hazardous substances.
- Respect the Right of Association in accordance with Article 29 of the Constitution.
- Respect the duties of Labour organisations as embedded under section 4 of the Labour unions Act of 2006.
- Respect the privacy of their employees
4. TO THE MINISTER OF TRADE to exercise her ministerial position without undue bias and with impartiality
5. TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL NOTU: To undertake his rightful mandate to protect the worker and not to betray their trust.
As a Network of Legal Aid Service Providers, WE REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT and RESOLVE TO STAND with and support FIDA, other Human Rights Defenders and affected women workers in this matter.
FOR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY
…………………………………………….
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON BEHALF OF LASPNET
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