12 July 2000

AI Index AFR 42/002/2000 - News Service Nr. 137

Namibia: Stop attacks on rights groups

The government of Namibia should ensure that the arson attack on the offices of Sister Namibia on Monday 10 July does not trigger attacks on other human rights organizations, especially gay rights groups, Amnesty International said.

"Worryingly, this comes shortly after President Sam Nujoma verbally attacked gays and lesbians at the end of June. The President should lead by example and must stop hate speech," Amnesty International said.

Sister Namibia campaigns for women's rights and gender equality. Most recently, the president of Sister Namibia spoke at an Amnesty International hosted panel during the Special Session on Women at the United Nation's General Assembly. In addition, the work of Sister Namibia on behalf of gay and lesbian rights has been internationally recognized.

"The Namibian authorities should ensure that a full and impartial police investigation into the arson attack on Sister Namibia's offices is immediately initiated," Amnesty International urged.

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