Today 9th March 2021, Parliament of Uganda is set to discuss the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill 2020. In a consultative meeting held on August 13th 2020, organized by Defenders Protection Initiative, WHRDNU, represented by Brenda Kugonza presented a position paper advocating for a gender lens in the Bill.
This was meant to advocate and highlight the unique circumstances Women Human Rights Defenders face while carrying out their work.
On August 13th 2020, Defenders Protection Initiative held a Consultative meeting at Skyz Hotel on the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill. The mover of the bill Hon. Komakech Lyandro in his opening remarks emphasized the the law will consolidate the struggle Women Human Rights Defenders go through and create an enabling environment for women to flourish.
More opening remarks from Hon. Komakech Lyandro. #HRDProtectionBill2020 pic.twitter.com/cSBbTxbdoY
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020
Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director of the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda, presented a position paper by Women Human Rights Defenders on the need and relevance of a gender perspective in the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill. “Women’s unique issues and concerns while protecting rights of others should be put into full consideration as the bill is drafted.”
Rights of all individuals should be respected and reflected in the bill to ensure equal leveled ground while carrying out work. Women Human Rights Defenders across all regions from the country gave accounts of the different violations and threats they face while working.
Brenda Kugonza- It’s important Women HRDs voices and plight are put into consideration while drafting the #HRDProtectionBill 2020 pic.twitter.com/owlzJKti2t
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020
John Tamale Mirundi, a Senior legislative council and drafter of the bill committed to ensuring all gender aspects are catered for in the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill 2020.
Mr John Tamale Mirundi, a Senior Legislative and Drafter of the #HRDProtectionBill2020 commits to considering all gender aspects in drafting the bill. pic.twitter.com/YHwghFeIpF
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020