Vote “Yes” for Humanity!
Concerned world citizens giving voice to end impunity
and put Human Rights first.
Would You Give a Country Convicted of War Crimes by the UN’s Own
International Court of Justice a Seat on the UN Security Council?
Rewarding a country which has violated the very same ideals of: peace, respect for human rights and adherence to international law—all of which the UN has pledged its responsibility to protect, puts all world citizens in harm’s way.
The world has turned a blind eye to the indictment of Uganda by the International Court of Justice for war crimes in the Congo where an estimated 6 million have died. Also ignored has been the forced displacement in Northern Uganda of over 2 million mainly ethnic Acholis for over 20 years into concentration camps called “protected villages” by the Ugandan government, as well as the continued use of child soldiers.
Urgent Action Necessary
Both the U.S. and the UK are powerful supporters of Uganda and shockingly, along with the UN, have backed the disastrous return to war by the Ugandan government on December 14, 2008.
Hundreds of Congolese civilians have been murdered in the aftermath of the Uganda air strikes against the Lord’s Resistance Army in Congo. 104,000 are displaced in the chaos of renewed war, and Northern and Eastern Ugandans are faced with insecurity once again. The Juba Peace Talks, which had stalled, meant a precious peace which allowed people to move from desperately ill-maintained camps (100+ people to 1 latrine), nearer to original homesteads, to begin their lives from scratch.
Urge Uganda to Return to Peace. Sign the Great Lakes Peace Petition.
Does Uganda Deserve a Seat on the UN Security Council?
You can voice your concern by:
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Emailing, calling or faxing UN ambassadors and elected officials
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Contacting media outlets
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Sharing this website with friends and associates* (To share, place your mouse over any link, click on the window that shows up)
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Signing this online petition
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Leaving a comment on this website or on the Huffington Post news story.
Barack Obama: A New Hope for Africa?
An Obama presidency would focus on regaining peace in the Great Lakes region. Good news for Obama’s Luo cousins, the Acholi in Uganda–if Obama acknowledges the dictatorial regime currently in power in Uganda. Will Obama reverse the policies of the Bush administration?
The following comments were moved from the original post:
1. Kathy’s comment
This is what I wrote to our ambassador to the UN.
Dear Ambassador Khalilzad,
I take issue with the pending approval of Uganda to have a seat on the UN Security Council.
I have been to Washington DC several years ago to attend hearings and meet on the issue of the creation of the Uganda Crisis Response Act, which passed both houses of Congress. At that time met with the subcommitee chair on African Affairs and relayed some talking points along with and guided by Amnesty International.
I have followed the mass human rights abuses in Uganda by state and nonstate actors over the years. I have also followed the massive displacement and lack of providing by that country’s own Guide to Internal Displacement policy. This lack of heeding and providing for their country’s own people by providing basic health standards in the camps where up to 2 million were displaced led to massive deaths, as measured by the International Rescue Committee. This lack of care for a country’s own people, including lack of protection with the concomanant use of underage child soldiers employed by Uganda’s defense forces was registered and covered by the US’s Child Soldier’s Bill.
There are many reasons why Uganda should not be rewarded by a seat on the Security Council.
There also is an outstanding judgment against the country by the DRC for the rape and pillaging of resources by Ugandan forces while they were there. This judgment was meted out by the International Court of Justice.
Please consider this information. I believe the US has made a major committment to Uganda, in various ways and in many different aid programs of various natures. Therefore, we should also evaluate whether this country is suited for this position.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Smith
kathy 12 October 2008 at 12am edit
2. Voteforhumanity’s reply
Thanks for writing Kathy; you’ve done your part to shed light on this travesty!
voteforhumanity 22 October 2008 at 6am edit
I VOTE YES !!! Everyday for Mr.President !
I also remain concerned with the poor human rights records of many African governments .. the poor is not only in africa