UPR Working Group Report

The Uganda government rejected all recommendations relating to decriminalisation of homosexuality (recommendations 113.1-113.16 at pages 23-24 of the report) and, in relation to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, noted (at footnote 13) that: "Uganda upholds the principle of separation of Powers and therefore the Executive has no control over Parliament. Furthermore, this is a Private Member's Bill and the Executive has no powers to stop it."

However, Uganda accepted the following recommendations:
"111.69: Investigate and prosecute intimidation and attacks on LGBT-community members and activists;
111.70: Investigate thoroughly and sanction accordingly violence against LGBTs, including gay rights activists;
111.71: Take immediate concrete steps to stop discrimination and assaults against LGBT persons."

This is a clear acknowledgment by the Government that it has a responsibility to end violence against LGBT persons.

Uganda also accepted recommendation 111.13 by Poland to "engage civil society in the process of implementation of UPR recommendations", which means they should work with NGOs to develop measures to combat violence.

In addition, the decriminalisation recommendations by more than a dozen States send a clear message that criminal sanctions continue to be a matter of serious concern to the international community. The final report will come up for adoption at the March 2012 session of the Human Rights Council, at which time NGOs will have the opportunity to speak.

Download the UPR Working Group Report (Draft version)|doc/Africa/UPR_Working_Group_Report_Draft.pdf] (pdf)