World Bank cuts off funds to Uganda over anti-LGBTQ+ law (Anti-Homosexuality Act)

livus, 9 months ago

Also relevant: Activists Concerned As UN Human Rights Office in Uganda Officially Closes.

livus, 9 months ago

From the article:

"Immediately after the law was enacted, the World Bank deployed a team to Uganda to review our portfolio in the context of the new legislation,” the statement continued. “That review determined additional measures are necessary to ensure projects are implemented in alignment with our environmental and social standards. Our goal is to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in the projects we finance. These measures are currently under discussion with the authorities. No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested.”

Uganda adopted the law in May. It provides for the death penalty for what it calls “aggravated homosexuality,” including sex with a minor, sex while HIV-positive, and incest. Those convicted of having same-sex relations that are not of the “aggravated” variety can be imprisoned for life...

Okello Oryem, Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, said bank officials are being hypocritical because the World Bank makes loans to countries with similar laws.

“There are many Middle East countries who do not tolerate homosexuals, they actually hang and execute homosexuals, in the United States of America many states have passed laws that are either against or restrict activities of homosexuality ... so why pick on Uganda?” he said, according to Reuters. “The World Bank has been put under pressure by the usual imperialists.”

Another Ugandan official, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, told Agence France-Presse Wednesday that the country’s leaders are discussing the matter with the World Bank. “However, the World Bank and others should be reminded that Uganda is a sovereign country, which takes decisions in the interests of her people, and this is the spirit of the Anti-Homosexuality Act,” he added...

The Convening for Equality Coalition, made up of human rights groups, welcomed the World Bank's action but called for more. “The World Bank’s decision to not proceed with any new public financing in Uganda in light of the Anti-Homosexuality Act is an important step by the international financial institution to respond to the pernicious impacts of Anti-Homosexuality Act," Clare Byarugaba, who works with Chapter Four Uganda and is a co-convener of the coalition, said in a statement.

"We hope that this will spur further action from others committed to inclusive economic development and the protection of basic human rights to take concrete action in the face of Uganda’s horrific law. Other countries considering similarly discriminatory laws should take notice of the World Bank’s decision and the negative economic impact on their economies. Open and inclusive societies are better for business and better for economic growth.”