The US and the EU condemn the “shameful” anti-LGBTI law enacted in Uganda

Borrell affirms that the law is “contrary to International Law” and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

29 (EUROPA PRESS)

The United States and the European Union have condemned this Monday the “shameful” anti-LGBTI law promulgated this Monday by the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, which contemplates more severe punishments, including the death penalty and life imprisonment.

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has affirmed that the new anti-LGBTI law is “shameful” and is a “tragic violation of universal rights” in the African country, which encourages Washington to take retaliatory measures, such as new sanctions.

“The dangers posed by this democratic rollback are a threat to all who reside in Uganda, including US government personnel, our partners’ personnel, tourists, members of the business community and others,” Biden said. in a statement issued by the White House.

In this sense, he has ensured that reports of violence and discrimination against Ugandans from the LGTBI community have been increasing since the law was promoted, with thousands of people living in fear of being evicted from their homes, fired, threatened or sentenced to prison terms, among others.

“No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or be subjected to violence and discrimination (…) The prospect of more serious threats — including long prison sentences, violence or abuse — threatens many Ugandans who do not want to nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom,” he added.

For all these reasons, Biden has stated that his Administration is considering applying sanctions and visa restrictions to those who are involved “in Human Rights abuses and corruption.” “The United States shares a deep and committed partnership with the people of Uganda,” she concluded.

For his part, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, has assured in a statement that the anti-LGBTI law is “contrary to International Law and Uganda’s obligations under the African Charter of Human Rights and the villages”.

“The European Union will continue to work with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are treated equally, with dignity and respect,” it said.

Finally, Borrell recalled that Museveni’s government “has the obligation to protect all its citizens and defend their basic rights. Otherwise, relations with international partners will be undermined,” he argued.

Despite international condemnation, the law was amended by Parliament in May at the request of Museveni to include some of the changes with which the Ugandan president wanted to clarify that mere identification as LGTBI would not be punished, although the new law contemplates harsher punishments, including the death penalty and life imprisonment, for people from this community.