HIGH COMMISSIONER EXPRESSES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER ESCALATING VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS IN NORTHEASTERN UGANDA

23 November 2006



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today urged the Government of Uganda to review its forced disarmament strategy in Karamoja, North Eastern Uganda, and end violence and human rights violations against civilians in the area.

The High Commissioner, in a report released today, said allegations of human rights violations and abuses in the Karamoja region have persisted since the May 2006 forced disarmament exercise initiated by the Government of Uganda. Karamoja is traditionally characterized by high levels of insecurity relating to the proliferation of illegal fire arms, cattle rustling, looting, ambushes, but also political marginalization and the absence of adequate central government services and institutions, including civilian law enforcement.

From 29 October to 15 November, the report indicates, there were at least 55 civilians killed, including women and children. There were also 68 arbitrary arrests, 14 cases of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, the rape of one woman and the burning or destruction of over 200 homesteads, resulting in the displacement of over 500 persons, in various locations in Kotido district, Karamoja. In retaliatory attacks by armed Karimojong during the same period, an unknown number of Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers, one teacher and one policeman were reported killed, with over 700 displaced from their homes following looting.

"The ongoing forced disarmament exercise in Karamoja must stop until adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety, security and full human rights protection of civilians, including women and children", Ms. Arbour said.

The High Commissioner urged the Government to ensure an impartial, transparent and timely investigation into the human rights violations and abuses, in order to establish accountability, punish the perpetrators and protect the rights of victims.

The full report is available at www.ohchr.org



* *** *
For use of the information media; not an official record