The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kampala is set to close due to the Ugandan government's decision not to renew the agreement for its ongoing presence in the country. The OHCHR press office in Geneva conveyed this information, revealing that the office's operations will conclude on Saturday, August 5. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed regret regarding the closure, emphasizing that it stems from the Ugandan government's choice to not extend their agreement with the OHCHR.
"I deeply regret the necessity of closing our office in Uganda after 18 years of closely collaborating with civil society, individuals from diverse backgrounds, and engaging with government institutions to advance and safeguard the human rights of all Ugandans," Turk expressed. He added, "While substantial strides have been achieved in the country over the years, substantial challenges persist on the path towards the comprehensive realization of human rights for everyone."
In February, the Ugandan Foreign Ministry conveyed to the OHCHR office its decision not to extend the agreement for its presence in the country. The rationale behind this decision includes Uganda's assertion that it possesses the capacity to independently monitor the human rights situation within its borders.
Criticism has been directed at the OHCHR for its perceived partiality and alignment with Western narratives. During the UN Human Rights Council session on June 20 in Geneva, the Russian delegation voiced their concerns: "We observe an escalating bias in the actions of the OHCHR. There is an absence of unbiased response to significant human rights infringements within Western countries. Conversely, systematic critique is directed at those whose approach to human rights does not align with Western-established norms."
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Based on materials from TASS