Namibia’s human rights record under UN spotlight
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights met with Namibia's Attorney General (AG) Festus Mbandeka earlier this month to discuss the country's human rights achievements and challenges.
Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee, Tania Abdo Rocholl, said Namibia respects freedom of expression but expressed concerns about corruption in public procurement and the enforcement of environmental legislation.
Mbandeka emphasised Namibia's record on press freedom and said state media represent all political viewpoints. He said there is no political interference with state media.
Moreover, he said the Anti-Corruption Commission has been established to enforce transparency and accountability in public procurement, while government seeks to implement the Whistleblower Protection Act as legislation is being reviewed in parliament, Mbandeka added.
He said the Environmental Management Act applies to enterprises and requires businesses to protect the environment or face fines.
Rights and challenges
Other issues discussed include excessive use of force by law enforcement officers, polygamy, domestic and gender-based violence, abortion, human trafficking, prevention of child exploitation, treatment of prisoners, foreigners, migrants and asylum seekers, and the right to privacy.
According to Mbandeka, government aims to further empower the Office of the Ombudsman, and a draft law in this regard should be presented to parliament this year.
"There is no legislation that authorises the excessive use of force," he stressed.
"Violence is only allowed in circumstances where police officers are in danger," Mbandeka said.
He said the gender ministry is developing a new plan to combat gender-based violence. Furthermore, the law on sodomy is being challenged in the High Court, and the draft law on torture is being revised.
Regarding the revision of the Abortion and Sterilization Act, public consultations have been held, and the process is in its final stage, the AG said.
Behind bars
The UN committee wanted to know why nearly 54% of the prison population in Namibia are pre-trial detainees, with many having been in detention for years.
Mbandeka said delays in court hearings are attributable to various issues, including high caseloads in certain courts, detainees' applications, among other challenges.
He said Namibai's Correctional Service has a five-year plan to upgrade detention facilities, and there is no record of minors being detained with adults.
The state acknowledges the need to improve current laws and policies and will continue to pursue institutional reforms and policies, he said.
"No human rights can be enjoyed in the absence of peace and stability. The state seeks to ensure peace and stability as a foundation for strengthening the human rights of its people," Mbandeka said.
Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee, Tania Abdo Rocholl, said Namibia respects freedom of expression but expressed concerns about corruption in public procurement and the enforcement of environmental legislation.
Mbandeka emphasised Namibia's record on press freedom and said state media represent all political viewpoints. He said there is no political interference with state media.
Moreover, he said the Anti-Corruption Commission has been established to enforce transparency and accountability in public procurement, while government seeks to implement the Whistleblower Protection Act as legislation is being reviewed in parliament, Mbandeka added.
He said the Environmental Management Act applies to enterprises and requires businesses to protect the environment or face fines.
Rights and challenges
Other issues discussed include excessive use of force by law enforcement officers, polygamy, domestic and gender-based violence, abortion, human trafficking, prevention of child exploitation, treatment of prisoners, foreigners, migrants and asylum seekers, and the right to privacy.
According to Mbandeka, government aims to further empower the Office of the Ombudsman, and a draft law in this regard should be presented to parliament this year.
"There is no legislation that authorises the excessive use of force," he stressed.
"Violence is only allowed in circumstances where police officers are in danger," Mbandeka said.
He said the gender ministry is developing a new plan to combat gender-based violence. Furthermore, the law on sodomy is being challenged in the High Court, and the draft law on torture is being revised.
Regarding the revision of the Abortion and Sterilization Act, public consultations have been held, and the process is in its final stage, the AG said.
Behind bars
The UN committee wanted to know why nearly 54% of the prison population in Namibia are pre-trial detainees, with many having been in detention for years.
Mbandeka said delays in court hearings are attributable to various issues, including high caseloads in certain courts, detainees' applications, among other challenges.
He said Namibai's Correctional Service has a five-year plan to upgrade detention facilities, and there is no record of minors being detained with adults.
The state acknowledges the need to improve current laws and policies and will continue to pursue institutional reforms and policies, he said.
"No human rights can be enjoyed in the absence of peace and stability. The state seeks to ensure peace and stability as a foundation for strengthening the human rights of its people," Mbandeka said.
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