The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop has ordered Australia’s High Commissioner to visit Uganda and make “Strong representations” regarding the country’s recently introduced laws that imprison LGBT people.
Australia’s High Commissioner for the region is Mr Geoff Tooth (pictured), who is based in Kenya.
Ms Bishop told the Sydney Star Observer that she is concerned about the countries laws;
“The Australian Government recognises that everyone is entitled to respect, dignity and legal protection regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and all people are entitled to the rights and protections afforded by international human rights frameworks,” said Ms Bishop.
“I am concerned by Uganda’s ‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’ signed into law on 24 February and I have written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda to raise these concerns. I have also directed the Australian High Commissioner to Uganda, based in Nairobi, to make strong representations.”
Ms Bishop said the government had also raised concern over the laws introduced in Nigeria last month which include long jail sentences for LGBT people and organisations or people supplying services to LGBT people.
US President Barrack Obama has also made a statement against the Uganda Laws saying;
“This law is more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda, it reflects poorly on the country’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people and will undermine public health, including efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. We will continue to urge the Ugandan government to repeal this abhorrent law and to advocate for the protection of the universal human rights of LGBT persons in Uganda and around the world.”
While Australia is escalating it’s diplomatic pressure on Uganda and Nigeria it has been noted that Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is yet to comment on the issue.
OIP Staff, featured image (front page) Stock Image: YayMicro-michaklootwijk
