UN Resident Coordinator's Remarks at Launch of Human Rights Based Approach Booklet

Mr. Robert Kotchani, OHCHR Representative

The representative from Uganda Human Rights Commission

Heads of UN Agencies

Representatives from Civil Society and Private Sector

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to welcome and host the launch of the Human Rights Based Approach Booklet. Two critical and overarching instruments inform the work of the United Nations, the UN Charter and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Charter calls on us to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. On its part, the 2030 agenda, goal 16 calls on us to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development by strengthening just institutions, promoting the rule of law and supporting efforts to ensure equal access to justice for all.

The AU vision 2063 equally echoes the UN charter while the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance “emphasizes the significance of good governance, popular participation, the rule of law and human rights; reaffirming our collective will to work relentlessly to deepen and consolidate the rule of law, peace, security and development in our countries;”. At the national level, the Ugandan 1995 Constitution explicitly under chapter 4 provides for the Protection and promotion of fundamental and other human rights and freedoms. The Supreme law provides that Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are inherent and that the rights and freedoms of the individual and groups enshrined in the Constitution shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of Government and by all persons.

Ladies and Gentlemen

In applying a Human Rights Based Approach to our activities, it is essential for us to pay attention to results: the desired outcome and impact of any programme must contribute to advancing the realization of human rights by effectively addressing inequalities and discrimination, including by involving marginalised and vulnerable communities in our efforts. In his Human Rights Day Message in December 2020 UN Secretary-General, António Guterres noted that, “the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups including frontline workers, people with disabilities, older people, women and girls, and minorities.” In Uganda, the lock down and the enforcement of other preventive measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 led to an increase in Human Rights violations manifested through significant spikes in violence against women and children, teenage pregnancies, sexual exploitation, and child marriage. Reports from refugee settlements indicate that gender-based violence increased by 55% during the lockdown and has remained at unacceptably high levels - with physical assault and rape among the most reported abuses. These startling figures require urgent action. The UN comprehensive joint study on the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that restrictive measures on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had likely sent 46% of workers employed in informal businesses, 43 % in hospitality industry and 41% in trading and services, into poverty or business closure. Most of those at risk are women and youth.

In this context, the UN system in Uganda reprogrammed to focus interventions on addressing these issues and we were able to sustain critical operations during the COVID-19 lockdown in order to keep the bridge to the most vulnerable alive. Our continued operations also enabled us to bring to decision makers examples of gaps in plans being developed to support economic recovery. As Uganda heads into a second deadly wave, we are ready to sustain this lifeline once again. Despite COVID19, we have reinforced partnerships with the private sector to address those most at risk of being left behind including the recent joint facility with Stanbic focused on SACOOS and village saving groups and the new Private Sector SDG Platform co-chaired with the Private Sector Foundation and the Government. Human Rights must be the foundation for economic growth, digital job creation, investment in access to quality healthcare and supporting transformational governance. Human rights is about recognizing everyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation as a person with the right to dignity, safety and prosperity.

Ladies and Gentlemen: before I conclude, I would like to invite each one of us to exercise the HRBA approach in our work and also espouse the African philosophy of Obuntubulamu, which calls on us to recognise our shared humanity and to exercise our rights and responsibilities as constructive citizens. The core values of Obumu-Unity, Obwesimbu-Integrity, Obwerufu-Transparency and Okufaayo-Empathy are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution and also reflect the principles in the SDGs and the African Charter on Democracy. These values are critical ingredients in influencing a mindset change and the promotion of good citizenship in Uganda home to some 42 million people of which 56% are women, the world’s second youngest nation, and also home to the second largest community of refugees in the world. This means that every step we take in Uganda’s journey towards sustainable prosperity must create space for women and youth while taking into consideration the challenges and opportunities coming from the impact of COVID-19. Youth must be part of inter-generational dialogues on issues, values and solutions. Through the Youth Coalition for SDGs under the auspices of the SDG Secretariat in collaboration with UN Uganda we have demonstrated how to ensure that youth are actively engaged in developing and implementing solutions to issues of national importance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I conclude, on behalf of the UN in Uganda, I reiterate our commitment to use a Human Rights Based Approach in our work with all partners through our UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025. Together let’s support peace, development and the realization of aspirations of the Constitution of Uganda, the National Vision 2040 and the SDGs. I am certain this booklet will renew our commitment to a human rights-based approach, as we support Uganda’s efforts in a holistic manner to eradicate poverty, advance gender equality, protect our environment, and ensure that we “leaving no one behind”. Thank you