馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia's human rights record reviewed at UN Universal Periodic Review
via The Namibian2 min read
During Namibia's Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel spoke about the country's commitment to human rights, referencing the Cassinga Massacre. Namibia received commendation for progress, including the decriminalization of same-sex sexual relations by the High Court, a universal healthcare policy, and measures for people with disabilities. However, peer countries raised concerns about high rates of gender-based violence, issues with the separation of powers regarding the Supreme Court, and the lack of legal protection for LGBTQI+ individuals. The minister's response to these concerns was described as disappointing, particularly his focus on public consultation for LGBTQI+ rights, which the Positive Vibes Foundation argued contradicts the principle that human rights are not a popularity contest. The foundation also noted the government bypassed public dialogue when passing the Marriage Act and the Civil Registration and Identification Act in December 2024.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadActing High Court Judge Natasha Bassingthwaighte ruled that suspended Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo unlawfully restricted the right to demonstrate by preventing a public demonstration on unemployment from occurring on Independence Day in 2023. The judge stated that the Public Gatherings Proclamation of 1989 only requires notice for public gatherings, not permission, and cannot be used to refuse or prevent them. She found that directing the demonstration to a different date, based on an unsupported belief of potential hostility, eroded the essential content of the right to demonstrate. Bassingthwaighte awarded activist Michael Amushelelo N$300,000 and fellow activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma N$80,000. This compensation is linked to their arrest, detention, and prosecution in 2023, after they were acquitted of charges including public violence and incitement. Amushelelo was held for nearly seven months. The judge concluded that the minister of safety and security and the inspector general failed to prove the lawfulness of the arrests, and that Amushelelo and Nauyoma were maliciously prosecuted. The defendants were also ordered to cover the legal costs of the activists.
Australia secured a surprising 2-0 victory against Turkey in their World Cup Group D opening match. Coach Tony Popovic's strategic team selections, including starting rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach over experienced captain Maty Ryan and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler over vice-captain Jackson Irvine, proved successful. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored the goals, while Beach made several crucial saves to deny Turkey, who dominated possession. Okon-Engstler was instrumental in the first goal, setting up Irankunda. Despite Turkey's efforts, including a strong shot from Real Madrid's Arda Guler, they could not overcome Australia's defense and Beach's performance. Metcalfe sealed the win with a goal in the 75th minute. This victory places Australia level on three points with Group D leaders the United States, whom they are scheduled to play next.
Scotland marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a 1-0 win against Haiti. John McGinn, captain of Aston Villa, scored the decisive goal just before the half-hour mark at Gillette Stadium. This victory is Scotland's first at a World Cup since 1990 and their first at any major tournament in 30 years. The win places Scotland at the top of Group C, putting them on track for the knockout stages. Haiti, ranked 84th in the world, presented a challenge, with players like midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and striker Wilson Isidor. Scotland's team, featuring McGinn, captain Andy Robertson, and Scott McTominay, will next face Morocco at the same stadium before playing Brazil in Miami. Morocco and Brazil drew 1-1 in their Group C match. Haiti's participation in the World Cup is notable given the domestic turmoil that prevented them from playing qualifiers at home. Haiti will next play Brazil in Philadelphia.