About Africa Realities Media
[RwandaLibre] CANADA'S REFUSAL TO ALLOW UGANDAN LGBT ACTIVISTS INTO THE COUNTRY SPEAKS TO A WIDER HYPOCRISY
CANADA'S REFUSAL TO ALLOW UGANDAN LGBT ACTIVISTS INTO THE COUNTRY
SPEAKS TO A WIDER HYPOCRISY
By Muna Mire May 29 2014
A contingent of Ugandan LGBT activists were recently denied visitor
visas to attend World Pride 2014, which will be held in Toronto this
summer. The move comes as a surprise given the Canadian government's
strong, condemnatory stance on Uganda's repressive regime
criminalizing homosexuality.
The contingent of activists comprised of ten men and women who are all
currently risking their lives in the fight for LGBT rights on the
ground in Uganda—were invited to a human rights conference at the
University of Toronto taking place June 25-27. Just one member of the
contingent, keynote speaker Dr. Frank Mugisha, a highly prominent
advocate and a 2014 nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, is able to come
to Canada on a multiple-entry visa he had been issued for previous
travels.
Brenda Cossman, conference co-chair, told the Toronto Star that it
remains critical to the global solidarity movement that the contingent
be able to attend the World Pride human rights conference. The
conference wants to hear from the delegation so that effective
allyship is possible from abroad.
"We are at risk of losing their voices," said Cossman.
Dr. Mugisha is a lawyer and the executive director of Sexual
Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an umbrella NGO that describes itself as
aiming "to liberate LGBT in Uganda." SMUG is a network of
organizations serving LGBT people across Uganda that came about in
2004, including smaller organizations like Icebreakers Uganda (serves
LGBT Ugandans who are in the process of coming out), Spectrum Uganda
(focuses on the health and well being of LGBT Ugandans), and the
Transgender Initiative Uganda.
Mugisha was close friends and colleagues with the former advocacy
officer at SMUG, David Kato. Kato, considered a father of the Ugandan
LGBT rights movement and "Uganda's first openly gay man" was murdered
in January 2011 shortly after successfully suing a tabloid for
publishing the names, photos, and addresses of 100 suspected LGBT
Ugandans with the order to "hang them." Several people on the list
were viciously attacked, and many went into hiding afterwards.
Mugisha is himself the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by SMUG and
supported by the Centre for Constitutional Rights, against American
evangelical Scott Lively and Abiding Truth Ministries (considered a
hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center) for his work on the
Anti-Homosexuality Act and in cultivating a culture of homophobic
populism in Uganda. Lively has personally endorsed the death penalty
for LGBT individuals.
What's worse, The Fellowship Foundation or "The Family"—the same US
religious group that organizes the National Prayer Breakfast at the
White House—also provided "a base of inspiration and technical
support" for the Anti-Homosexuality legislation in Uganda.
Since the bill was signed into law in February 2014, SMUG reports that
anti-gay attacks have increased ten-fold, including lynchings, mob
violence, evictions, arson, blackmail, firings, and arrests. Within
days of the legislation going into effect, another list of 200 alleged
homosexuals was printed in a newspaper. Dr. Mugisha's name was on it.
Uganda has made life hell for LGBT people.
John Baird, Canada's foreign minister, took a strong stance against
the legislation in February, antagonizing Ugandan politicians who
frame their virulent legislation as anti-colonial. "This act is a
serious setback for human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms,
and deserves to be widely condemned," he said at the time, "Canada
will speak out."
Baird went on to invoke the legacy of David Kato, who was bludgeoned
to death with a hammer in his own Ugandan home.
Why, then, has Canada denied 9/10 visas to a contingent that includes
Kato's friends and colleagues, who are currently fighting for LGBT
rights on the ground in Uganda? The hypocrisy is stunning. The
applications were rejected due to a combination of reasons. It appears
the government is concerned the ten would seek asylum in Canada, a
worry that is deeply disappointing, especially in light of Baird's
comments. Other official reasons for their refusal into Canada
include: lack of previous travel history, lack of family ties in
Canada (really?), andinsufficient funds for the trip. Read: too poor.
Hardcore evangelical Americans are not alone in providing material
support for the Anti-Homosexuality Act on the ground. Previously,
Ottawa provided nearly half a million dollars in funding to an
anti-gay religious group to do development work in Uganda. When taken
with the backstory of Canada quietly bankrolling groups that support
homophobic legislation and denying visas to LGBT Ugandans, Minister
Baird's condemnations of Uganda carry little weight. For that matter,
so do President Obama's. Until Western governments admit their
complicity in both colonialism and in fueling supposedly anti-colonial
homophobic populism, indictments of Uganda ring hollow.
In a piece recently written for the Guardian, Mugisha explains the
paradox succinctly, "I want my fellow Ugandans to understand that
homosexuality is not a western import and our friends in the developed
world to recognise that the current trend of homophobia is."
VICE reached out to Baird's office for comment and was referred
instead to Minister Chris Alexander's office at Citizenship and
Immigration which is currently working with MP Craig Scott to try to
expedite the reapplication process and reverse the decision:
"Our Conservative government was among the first to speak out against
state-sponsored homophobia in Russia. We welcome resettled gay
refugees from Iran and around the world. We have led the international
response to repression of the LGBT community in Uganda and elsewhere
in Africa. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will continue to do
everything it can, under our immigration laws, to make this conference
a success. Under Canadian law, decisions on individual visa
applications are made by highly-trained public servants," a
spokesperson said.
MP Craig Scott has said he expects "the right thing" to be done in the
end. With the conference set for the end of June, the clock is ticking
to process the applications which will be resubmitted this week,
according to Cossman. It seems, however, that the story of Canada's
role in supporting (or undermining) LGBT rights in Uganda goes beyond
issuing ten temporary visas—and that's a larger conversation we
haven't had yet.
@muna_mire
http://www.google.ca/gwt/x?gl=CA&hl=en-CA&u=http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/canadas-refusal-to-allow-ugandan-lgbt-activists-into-the-country-speaks-to-a-wider-hypocrisy&source=s&q=Canada's+Refusal+to+Allow+Ugandan+LGBT+Activists+into+the+Country+Speaks+to..&sa=X&ei=MFaKU4vOO-vQsQSelYH4Cw&ved=0CBsQFjAA
--
SIBOMANA Jean Bosco
Google+: https://plus.google.com/110493390983174363421/posts
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9B4024D0AE764F3D
http://www.youtube.com/user/sibomanaxyz999
***Online Time:15H30-20H30, heure de Montréal.***Fuseau horaire domestique:
heure normale de la côte Est des Etats-Unis et Canada (GMT-05:00)***
__._,_.___
Posted by: Jean Bosco Sibomana <sibomanaxyz999@gmail.com>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
.To post a message: RwandaLibre@yahoogroups.com; .To join: RwandaLibre-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; .To unsubscribe from this group,send an email to:
RwandaLibre-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
_____________________________________________________
More news:
http://www.amakurunamateka.com ;
http://www.ikangurambaga.com ;
http://rwandalibre.blogspot.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-SVP, considérer environnement avant toute impression de cet e-mail ou les pièces jointes.
======
-Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sponsors:
http://www.rencontressansfrontieres.com http://www.intimitesafricaines.com http://www.foraha.net -=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-
.
__,_._,___
Support Our Work Now !
Africa Realities Media is independent. Your support helps us expose injustice, challenge silence and produce evidence-based analysis on Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
Africa Realities Media offre un espace aux écrivains, chercheurs, experts, activistes, voix communautaires, militants, analystes et personnes ayant une expérience vécue qui souhaitent contribuer à des contenus réfléchis, responsables et courageux sur les changements nécessaires dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que sur les réalités politiques, économiques, culturelles et sociales africaines souvent ignorées, minimisées ou mal représentées.
Nos articles et vidéos visent à ouvrir le débat, renforcer la sensibilisation, encourager la pensée critique et favoriser une réflexion plus profonde sur les réalités vécues par les populations africaines. Nous voulons aider les peuples de la région des Grands Lacs à mieux comprendre leurs droits, notamment leurs droits humains, leur droit au développement, leur droit à la dignité, à la sécurité, au bien-être et à une vie meilleure.
À travers nos contenus, nous cherchons également à rappeler aux décideurs, aux institutions publiques, aux acteurs régionaux et internationaux, ainsi qu’aux responsables politiques, leur devoir de transparence, de responsabilité et de redevabilité envers les populations qu’ils prétendent servir. Notre objectif est de contribuer à une culture de vérité, de justice, de participation citoyenne et de protection égale pour tous les peuples africains.
Why We Exist
Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states, ruling elites, armed groups, military forces and security services. But these abuses are often sustained by international silence, Western lobbying, trade interests, migration deals, mineral access, diplomatic partnerships and unequal global accountability.
Africa Realities Media exposes that system.
Lived Experience Matters
Survivors, displaced communities, refugees, families affected by repression, journalists, activists, women, young people and diaspora voices are not passive subjects. They are knowledge holders.
Their experiences must shape policy, advocacy, journalism and public debate. The people closest to injustice are often closest to the solutions.
Our Principle
Africa Realities Media is rooted in one principle: African lives deserve equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.
Popular Posts
A votre aimable attention s'il vous plait, Cher(e) lauréat(e), veuillez prendre connaissance de la pièce jointe et automatiquement entrer en contact avec Maître Bakary TOGORA dont les informations sont les suivantes : Vous avez gagné 250.000€ suite à un tirage au sort. CABINET JURIDIQUE MAITRE BAKARY TOGORA. Adresse Mail: cabinet_consultant.togorab@hotmail.fr Contact Téléphonique: (+22) 546 077 726. Adresse Permanente : 20 Avenue du Général De Gaulle, Plateau Rue du Commerce, Immeuble le petit Bassam, Abidjan. Numéro de la fondation : +1 347 434 5496 LA DIRECTION DES OPERATIONS. __._,_.___ Répondre en mode Web Répondre à expéditeur ...
Share 64 3 Share 3 1 Tweet 64 Women mostly in South and Central Africa, and Indonesia are carrying out a horrific practice known as ‘ Dry Sex’ which not only leaves them in pain but at increased risk of HIV. Dailymail Report Dry sex is a practice where women reduce moisture in their vaginas in order to make intercourse more pleasurable for men. This according to reports can lead to cuts, sores and inflammation in the vagina, and increases the chance of a condom breaking. These factors in turn increase the chance of the women contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It is borne out of a cultural belief that men find sex more pleasurable if a woman’s vagina is dry, and that men will reject women whose vaginas have been ‘stretched out’ by sex. To achieve dryness, women insert, chalk, sand, pulverized rock, herbs, paper or sponges before sex, according to journalist Ms Syfret, who has reported o...
http://www.inyenyerinews.org/amakuru-2/the-paul-kagame-doctrine-after-20-years/ African leaders have just concluded a mini summit in Luanda, Angola, to discuss the conflict in DRC and the diplomatic showdown between South Africa and Rwanda. It is reported, as usual, that a "Luanda Declaration" was signed, and President Zuma and President Kagame "agreed" to talk to "resolve" the impasse between their two countries. The latest quarrel between South Africa and Rwanda is due to the assassination of Colonel Patrick Karegeya in South Africa on 31/12/2013 and another attempted assassination on General Kayumba Nyamwasa a couple of weeks ago. Is this new ground for hope, or it is the usual diplomatic hype, postponing the problem to a later date? This writer firmly believes it is the latter. A good foreign policy champions, defends and protects a country's ( read people's) national interests. It seeks friends and...
http://glpost.com/rwanda-leader-paul-kagame-gets-jewish-embrace-human-rights/ Great Lakes Post Website: http://www.glpost.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatlakespost Twitter: Great Lakes Post@greatlakespost __._,_.___ Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) ---------------------------------------------------------- The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless. More News: http://changingaf...
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: MUSABYIMANA JEAN DE DIEU <musajados@yahoo.fr> To: Democracy Human grpe <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr>; cliir Antoine <cliir2004@yahoo.fr>; CORWABEL ASBL <corwabel@gmail.com>; leprophete umuhanuzi <lepropheteu@yahoo.com>; ijwiryarubanda ijwiryarubanda <ijwiryarubanda@ijwiryarubanda.com> Sent: Monday, 31 March 2014, 11:34 Subject: *DHR* pétition à l' Union Européenne contre l'arrivée du criminel kagame Soutenez les étudiants en signant contre l'arrivée du plus grand criminel de l'histoire de l'humanité à Bruxelles. signer ici svp!: https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/LUnion_Europeenne_Conseil_de_securite_de_lONU_Contre_la_visite_du_Hitler_Paul_Kagame_le_criminel_a_la_tete_du_Rwanda/edit L'Union Européenne. Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU: Contre la visite du Hitler...
Nyirubwite "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana yarabyivugiye ko kontaro ye izamara amezi atandatu. Ubwo iyo comisiyo nayo izamara amezi atandatu. Ngira ngo kandi mwiboneye igisubizo cya Barreau ya Québec yemeza ko "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana atigeze aba avocat muri Kanada! Ahasigaye ababishoye mwatwohereza cya gisigo cya "Maître Corbeau Et Le Renard". -- SIBOMANA Jean Bosco Google+: https://plus.google.com/110493390983174363421/posts YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9B4024D0AE764F3D http://www.youtube.com/user/sibomanaxyz999 ***Online Time:15H30-20H30, heure de Montréal.***Fuseau horaire domestique: heure normale de la côte Est des Etats-Unis et Canada (GMT-05:00)*** __._,_.___ Reply via web post ...
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Theobald Gakwaya <tgakwaya@yahoo.com> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 19:31 Subject: Re: *DHR* RADIO IMPALA. Abatekereje gushyiraho Radio yo kumara abaturage ubwoba ngo baharanire uburenganzira bwabo bagize neza cyane Ariko se niba barabwiye uwo mugiraneza ko Radio Impala ari iyo gufasha opposition politique Rwandaise kugira acces kuri Medias Noneho yaba yarabaye umwihariko w'amashyaka amwe gusa bigenze bite? Mbese ariko byagenze nta buriganya bwo bwaba burimo? Mbese uwo mugiraneza yaba yari agamije gufasha gusa plateforme RNC-FDU-Amahoro Congres? Nimukomeze kutuvunguriraho natwe tumenye ukuri, Rwaka On Friday, March 28, 2014 2:06 PM, "majaribu1987@yahoo.fr" <majaribu1987@yahoo.fr> wrote: ...
Mme Vidal La première caractéristique d'un blanc menteur c'est de faire comme si la tragédie rwandaise avait commencé le 6 Avril 1994, et de chercher les preuves là où elles ne sont pas, c'est-à-dire au détour de petites phrases prononcées par des personnes qui ne maîtrisent pas la langue, qui étaient enflammées ou qui sont malmenées par leurs interrogateurs. Quand vous parlez de planification du génocide, vous oubliez ceux à qui il a profité et qui avant tout le monde ont commis des exactions contre la population civile. La rancœur accumulée par les hutus contre les tutsis a été notamment été favorisée par le nettoyage ethnique opéré par le FPR dans les régions de Byumba et Ruhengeri, ce qui a eu pour résultat, un million de réfugiés entassés aux portes de Kigali. Parler du génocide et omettre de parler de cette situation est un mensonge par omission. Disons comme vous l'affirmez que l'attentat n'a...
Depuis les 5 dernières années, les experts sur le Rwanda n'écrivent plus des livres sur le génocide rwandais. La plupart ont disparu parce qu'ils ont honte de leurs écrits sur le Rwanda considérant que certains éléments de la vérité sur le Rwanda sont maintenant connus ou que le Rwanda avec son dictateur Kagame sont vus d'une manière différente. Mme Vidal est en train de les rejoindre. From: Rwembe Charlie <rwembe6030@yahoo.fr> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 15:18 Subject: Re: *DHR* Claudine Vidal s'est réveillée en disant: "Et moi aussi, et moi aussi" Mme Vidal, Pourquoi ne reagissez-vous pas aux nombreuses reactions qu'a suscite votre interview? J'attends tjrs de lire votre reaction aux reactions des netters...
Komera Agnes. Kiriya kiganiro cyahise kuri Radio Flash FM naracyumvise ariko nasanze nta gishya kiri mo, ari propagande isanzwe ya FPR igamije gushyushya imitwe y'abantu ngo bareke gutekereza ku bikorwa bindi bishobora kuzahura uRwanda muri rusange. Njye yaba Jannette yaba Habumuremyi ndetse n'undi wese uzava muri RPF simpamya ko azatsinda amatora yo muri 2017. Nemeranya n'iyi Raporo ya AFRICOM k' uRda yo muri 2011 aho ivuga ko RPF yamaze urwayo, ko rero yagombye kujya ku ruhande, ikareka n'abandi bakayobora. Pour votre info: Excerpts from: Rwanda : assessing risks to stability By Jennifer G. Cooke Center for Strategic & International Studies Washington, DC June 2011 ( http://csis.org/files/publication/110623_Cooke_Rwanda_Web.pdf ) ======================================= "The elections in 2017 could be a moment for a significant pol...
Why Africa Realities Media Is Different
Africa Realities Media speaks to Africa and to the developed world. Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states and ruling elites, but they are often protected by international silence, lobbying, public relations, trade interests, migration deals and unequal global accountability. While governments pay lobbyists to present a good image abroad, ordinary African people continue to face violence, hunger, disease, poverty, repression and exclusion. We challenge the normalisation of African suffering and demand equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.
Pourquoi Africa Realities Media est différent?
Africa Realities Media s’adresse à l’Afrique et au monde développé. De nombreux abus subis par les peuples africains sont commis par des États africains et des élites dirigeantes, mais ils sont souvent protégés par le silence international, le lobbying, les relations publiques, les intérêts commerciaux, les accords migratoires et une responsabilité mondiale inégale. Tandis que des gouvernements paient des lobbyistes pour présenter une bonne image à l’étranger, des Africains ordinaires continuent de faire face à la violence, à la faim, aux maladies, à la pauvreté, à la répression et à l’exclusion. Nous contestons la normalisation de la souffrance africaine et exigeons une vérité égale, une justice égale et une protection égale.
Policy and Systems Change
Our work is designed to trigger debate, discomfort and action. We do not only expose injustice; we work for policy and systems change.
We want governments and institutions to address the root causes of inequality, disadvantage, discrimination, exclusion and barriers affecting African people. We believe lasting change must be shaped by people with lived experience.
Exposing Injustice in Africa
Africa Realities Media is an independent African accountability platform based in London. We report, analyse and challenge the systems that shape African suffering, silence African victims and protect abusive power.
We are not here to repeat diplomatic language. We are here to ask the questions that are often avoided: why are African deaths treated as normal? Why are African victims given less urgency? Why are governments that imprison, exclude, displace or kill their own people protected when they serve powerful international interests?
Africa Realities Media gives space to writers, researchers, experts, activists, community voices, campaigners, analysts and people with lived experience who want to contribute thoughtful, responsible and courageous content about the changes needed in the region, as well as the political, economic, cultural and social African realities that are often ignored, minimised or misrepresented.
Our articles and videos aim to encourage debate, raise awareness, stimulate critical thinking and support reflection. We seek to help people in the Great Lakes Region understand their rights to human rights, development and wellbeing, while also encouraging decision-makers to be more transparent, responsive and accountable.
Comments
Post a Comment