UN Watch intern Jake Hyman took the floor of the U.N. Human Rights Council to condemn Angola for their repeated human rights violations.
Full Speech:
Mr. Chair,
United Nations Watch acknowledges Angola’s engagement in this Universal Periodic Review. However, while Angola asserts progress in human rights standards, a different reality is emerging.
Despite Angola’s official stance against torture, credible reports indicate ongoing impunity among security forces. We also remain deeply concerned by the prevalence of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters-all of which are compounded by a lack of due process.
Incidents in Lunda Norchi and Uambo involving live bullets and fatalities highlight pervasive impunity, not isolated mistakes. The lack of transparent investigations further erodes public trust and shrinks civic space.
Mr. Chair, despite constitutional guarantees, fundamental freedoms are increasingly restricted. Criminal defamation laws intimidate journalists. We are concerned by new laws, including the Crimes of Vandalism Act and the National Security Act. Angola must repeal the latter to prevent encroachment on basic freedoms guaranteed under international human rights law.
Finally, systemic weaknesses limit vital human rights protection. Angola’s national human rights institution remains non-compliant with the Paris Principles, lacking an adequate mandate, resources, and visibility. Persistent legal loopholes enable child marriage and sexual exploitation.
Corporal punishment is legitimized under the guise of “justifiable correction.” Angola’s stated commitment to human rights is demonstrably undermined by an extensive culture of impunity and shrinking civic space.
Human rights victims in Angola need to see immediate and fundamental reforms. They need to see government compliance with international standards. We urge Angola to seize this critical moment to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, for the dignity and rights of every citizen.
Thank you.
