Rights group urges Pohamba to protect NSHR

A PROMINENT US-based human rights group has called on President Hifikepunye Pohamba to withdraw all defamatory statements against the National Society for Human Rights and to condemn threats made against the Namibian rights body.

“We fear that members of the NSHR will continue to be in grave danger until and unless you do so,” Human Rights First (HRF) said in a letter to Pohamba. Human Rights First was founded as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in 1978, ostensibly for the purpose of protecting refugees and forcing national governments to adhere to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees and the subsequent 1967 United Nations Protocol.In recent years, HRF has strongly opposed the homeland security measures taken by the administration of US President George W Bush in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.The organisation, with offices in New York and Washington DC, said the threats against the NSHR employees “may have been inspired by recent accusations made by you, other members of your Government and leaders of the Swapo party about Mr Ya Nangoloh and the NSHR”.”We urge you to set an example by withdrawing these defamatory statements, and condemning all threats made against a non-violent human rights organisation carrying out its legitimate activities,” the HRF said.The human rights organisation said the NSHR was acting within its internationally protected rights when it submitted documents to the International Criminal Court to have former President Sam Nujoma held accountable for people who went missing before and shortly after Independence.They said the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights were binding on Namibia and required the Government to guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms.”Safeguarding the work of independent human rights defenders and organisations is essential to the fulfilment of your Government’s obligations in this regard.”The US-based organisation reminded President Pohamba that freedom of expression was the cornerstone of a democratic and open society.”In fact, criticism of government institutions or individuals who hold public office is necessary in order for civil society to hold accountable those in authority who may violate human rights.”Human Rights First said the Namibian Government must hold accountable those who engage in intimidation or violence to obstruct the legitimate activities of the NSHR.”It (Government) certainly should not be responsible for defaming and threatening human rights defenders,” it said.Human Rights First was founded as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in 1978, ostensibly for the purpose of protecting refugees and forcing national governments to adhere to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees and the subsequent 1967 United Nations Protocol.In recent years, HRF has strongly opposed the homeland security measures taken by the administration of US President George W Bush in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.The organisation, with offices in New York and Washington DC, said the threats against the NSHR employees “may have been inspired by recent accusations made by you, other members of your Government and leaders of the Swapo party about Mr Ya Nangoloh and the NSHR”.”We urge you to set an example by withdrawing these defamatory statements, and condemning all threats made against a non-violent human rights organisation carrying out its legitimate activities,” the HRF said.The human rights organisation said the NSHR was acting within its internationally protected rights when it submitted documents to the International Criminal Court to have former President Sam Nujoma held accountable for people who went missing before and shortly after Independence.They said the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights were binding on Namibia and required the Government to guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms.”Safeguarding the work of independent human rights defenders and organisations is essential to the fulfilment of your Government’s obligations in this regard.”The US-based organisation reminded President Pohamba that freedom of expression was the cornerstone of a democratic and open society.”In fact, criticism of government institutions or individuals who hold public office is necessary in order for civil society to hold accountable those in authority who may violate human rights.”Human Rights First said the Namibian Government must hold accountable those who engage in intimidation or violence to obstruct the legitimate activities of the NSHR.”It (Government) certainly should not be responsible for defaming and threatening human rights defenders,” it said.