Press Statement: Jackson Karemera the brother of Lt Joel Mutabazi is missing (26.11.2015)

The Great Lakes Human Rights Link is again seriously concerned over the disappearance of Mr. Karemera Jackson a brother to Lt Mutabazi who was abducted from Uganda and has been since brought different charges against him.

Whereas it’s in the powers of the State to Prosecute those suspected of an offence, the State has no powers whatsoever to persecute innocent persons and hold them in places unknown or illegally sanctioned without the knowledge of the family of the victim.

Accordingly we urge the Rwandan government that Mr. Karemera Jackson is brought to the courts of law if he has any case to answer. We are also submitting our investigations to our Human Rights Partners all over the  world to urge the  Rwandan government to allow the family of  Mr. Karemera Jackoson  to see him and provide legal representation if necessary.

The Rwanda government has a long record of using enforced disappearances, oppressive laws, and long prison terms to silence its critics. The Rwandan Government should use the opportunity of this coming referendum to make clear they stand with ordinary citizens against the abuses by unaccountable Rwandan officials.

Noble Marara

Executive Secretary

Great Lakes Human Rights Link.

Press Release: Burundi Shuts Down Civil Society (23.11.2015)

In response to the suspension of 10local human rights organizations on November 23 by the Burundian government, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“It is ludicrous that the government of Burundi would suspend many of the last remaining entities, including APRODH, working to promote peace and protect the fundamental rights of its citizens,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director of Africa programs. “Burundi is at a severe disadvantage without an active civil society, and any remaining legitimacy is slipping away with these oppressive tactics. The government of Burundi should immediately reverse these illegal suspensions and participate in, not just commit to, peace negotiations, which have the great potential to prevent a broader widespread conflict and reverse the country’s downward trajectory.”

Background:

Last week, the government of Burundi froze the bank accounts of some of the most prominent local human rights organizations, including FORSC, FOCODE and APRODH. Since April 2015 – when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to pursue a third mandate violating the Arusha Accords – most civil society leaders have been forced into exile and all local independent radio stations have been shut down.

Burundi is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2015, and is rated Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2015.

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.