Cable sobre las protestas en Namibia contra la legislación antihomosexual de Uganda y Malawi

Madrid - 05 feb 2011 - 13:45CET

ID:	247916
Date:	2010-02-09 09:56:00
Origin:	10WINDHOEK126
Source:	Embassy Windhoek
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Dunno:	10WINDHOEK514
Destination:	VZCZCXRO9545 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHWD #0126 0400957 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 090956Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY WINDHOEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0189 INFO SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS WINDHOEK 000126 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR: AF/RSA FOR LOUIS MAZEL, DRL FOR SANDRA MURPHY AND NICOLE WILETT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM, PGOV, WA, MI, UG SUBJECT: Namibia's Rainbow Project Protests Anti-Homosexual Legislation in Uganda and Malawi REF: WINDHOEK 514 1. (U) On February 3, the civil society organization The Rainbow Project (TRP) organized a demonstration to protest anti-homosexual legislation in Uganda and Malawi. The group represents and provides support to lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) persons living in Namibia. TRP estimated 100 people turned out for the rally aimed at expressing solidarity with their counterparts in the LGTB communities in Uganda and Malawi. Protesters called upon the leadership of these two countries to uphold basic human rights regardless of an individual's sexual orientation or preference. They cited the rights guaranteed in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which both Uganda and Malawi have signed. xxxxxxxxxxxx, Interim Director of TRP, said that the abuse, humiliation and violence against LGBT persons is irreconcilable with the universal-- and African-- values of dignity, equality and freedom. xxxxxxxxxxxx was pleased by the sizable turnout and media coverage for the event, which included live radio broadcasts on major radio stations and an article in the Afrikaans daily Republikein. 2. (U) Namibia's laws do not prohibit homosexuality; however, sodomy between males is illegal (reftel). In 2009, TRP handled close to 20 cases affecting LGTB persons, including: unfair dismissal from work, hate crimes, street attacks, and rape. TRP has worked closely with other human rights organizations to incorporate the rights of sexual minorities into a comprehensive human rights framework for Namibia. 3. (SBU) Comment. Tolerance of sexual minorities in Namibia remains a delicate issue. There is no pending legislation that targets or punishes LGBT persons. That being said, Post does not expect the introduction of new legislation that takes a more liberal approach to the issue of LGBT rights either. TRP is facing threat of closure as a result of some of its key international donors phasing out their funding. If the organization folds, it will leave a significant gap in the care and support for the LGBT community in Namibia. End comment. MATHIEU