AI: Concerns over Nujoma's anti-gay stance
Amnesty International is concerned that recent statements made by President Sam Nujoma of Namibia may lead to the persecution of individuals identified as lesbian or gay and to further attacks on human rights groups advocating support for lesbian and gay rights.
* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty
International *
29 March 2001
AFR 42/001/2001
58/01
Amnesty International is concerned that recent statements made by
President Sam Nujoma of Namibia may lead to the persecution of
individuals identified as lesbian or gay and to further attacks
on human rights groups advocating support for lesbian and gay
rights.
"The Government of Namibia is obliged to fully protect
the rights of all its people, includings gays and lesbians.
Public officials must not incite discrimination, hostility or
violence against members of sexual minorities," stated Andrew
Anderson, Amnesty International's Africa Program Director.
President Nujoma has frequently described lesbians and
gays as "unnatural" and against the will of God. On 19 March, he
told University of Namibia students that "The Republic of Namibia
does not allow homosexuality, lesbianism here. Police are ordered
to arrest you, and deport you and imprison you." Members of
Nujoma's cabinet have reportedly made similar statements that
homosexuals should be "eliminated" from Namibian society.
Amnesty International believes that the vilification and
persecution of persons for their sexuality is a violation of
their fundamental human rights. "Amnesty International considers
those imprisoned for their sexual orientation, or for the
legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression and
assembly, to be prisoners of conscience," added Andrew Anderson.
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