Government should explain the disappearance of its people, says Justice Batema

Batema, who was the guest of honour at an event in Jinja City organised to commemorate International Human Rights Defenders Day, said that human rights are God-given and must therefore be protected and promoted.

He emphasised that the Government of any country across the world must always be the first protector and promoter of human rights.

“We must come to an understanding that human rights are God-given and must be protected at all costs. The first duty of any Government across the world is to protect the rights of its people,” he said.

He added, “There has been a stallment in Parliament because of the opposition’s demands for Government to explain the disappearance of its supporters. Government must explain the disappearance of its own citizens.”

Human rights activists voicing their concerns during the event Pulse Live Uganda

Batema also emphasised the need to protect and promote women's rights, saying that societies need to recognise the fact that policymakers and lawmakers must factor in the unique attributes of mothering that women have.

“There are shackles within our society, such as the belief that a man is supreme in a home and that women are the weaker sex. These have led to laws that do not favour the rights of women. As a result, most cannot access a good education, and finances are discriminated against in the job market. We need to do better because these are our mothers,” he said.

The Justice also urged human rights activists to draw a line between civil activity and politics, saying that not doing this would lead them to collide with the Government. He advised them to always appeal to authorities with the power to make a difference in regards to human rights.

Batema also urged leaders, including Parliament, to make use of their position to protect and promote human rights.