Italian envoy calls for protection of women's rights

By Patrick Jaramogi                                                 
 
The Italian ambassador to Uganda has called for the protection of women’s rights describing it as a fountain of democracy.

Stefano Dejak noted that human rights issues the world over are some of the complex issues to handle. He applauded the Ugandan government for doing much to restore the rule of law.

“A good democracy means happiness for its citizens. But I would like to emphasize the right and freedom of women. Citizens should be allowed to live as human beings and not as animals. The protection of women is very fundamental,” he said.

He said the women should be given equal opportunities and rights to enjoy the freedom and democracy in Uganda.

Stefano made the remarks during a meeting with Human Rights Defenders at the Human Rights House in Nsambya. The foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) Executive Livingstone Ssewanyana and the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project executive Hassan Shire Sheikh attended the meeting.

Stefano noted that the PanAfrican principle of tolerance is the best engine to push Uganda towards a bright future. “It is the principle that allows Ugandans and Africans to express themselves freely,” he said.

Ssewanya said that as Human Rights defenders they stick to the principle of democracy, rule of law and shared values.

“Our appeal for government as they plan to pass the Public Order Management Bill currently in Parliament is to ensure an enabling environment for human rights defenders to carry out their work,” he said.

Hassan Shire called for the respect for media freedom whom he described as human rights defenders.

“So far we appreciate the role government is doing in ensuring media freedom, but we condemn the attacks, harassment and torture of journalists as they go on with their work. Government must ensure that human right defenders are protected, he said.