1046. On 5 August 2005, the Special Rapporteur, jointly with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal concerning Victor Juliet Mukasa, Chairperson of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works towards achieving full legal and social equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people in Uganda. According to the information received, on 20 July 2005, Victor Juliet Mukasa’s home, in a suburb of the capital city Kampala, was allegedly raided during the night by local government officials. They reportedly entered his house, and in his absence, seized documents and other material relating to the activities of SMUG.
Observations
1048. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to his communication of 5 August 2005. Pending a reply to this communication and without making any determination on the facts of this case, he deems it appropriate to make reference to the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and in particular article 12 paras 2 and 3 of the Declaration which provide that the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the Declaration.
Link to full text of the report: Summary of cases-SR Freedom of Opinion-2006-eng
