Return-Path: Received: from host.oil.ca ([207.219.200.34]) by mailin07.sul.t-online.com with esmtp id 14ihTw-0Gs22ic; Thu, 29 Mar 2001 20:49:16 +0200 Received: (from majordom@localhost) by host.oil.ca (8.9.3/8.9.3) id LAA27790 for amnesty-l.list; Thu, 29 Mar 2001 11:57:59 -0500 X-Authentication-Warning: host.oil.ca: majordom set sender to owner-amnesty-l@oil.ca using -f Received: from fox.amnesty.org (fox.amnesty.org [194.131.159.110]) by host.oil.ca (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id LAA27776 for ; Thu, 29 Mar 2001 11:57:41 -0500 From: ai-news@amnesty.org Subject: Namibia: Gays and lesbians under attack To: amnesty-l@oil.ca Message-ID: Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 19:08:50 +0100 X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on fox/I.S./Amnesty International(Release 5.0.5 |September 22, 2000) at 29/03/2001 19:16:57 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Sender: owner-amnesty-l@oil.ca Precedence: bulk Reply-To: owner-amnesty-l@host.oil.ca * News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International * 29 March 2001 AFR 42/001/2001 58/01 Amnesty International is concerned that recent statements made by President Sam Nujoma of Namibia may lead to the persecution of individuals identified as lesbian or gay and to further attacks on human rights groups advocating support for lesbian and gay rights. "The Government of Namibia is obliged to fully protect the rights of all its people, includings gays and lesbians. Public officials must not incite discrimination, hostility or violence against members of sexual minorities," stated Andrew Anderson, Amnesty International's Africa Program Director. President Nujoma has frequently described lesbians and gays as "unnatural" and against the will of God. On 19 March, he told University of Namibia students that "The Republic of Namibia does not allow homosexuality, lesbianism here. Police are ordered to arrest you, and deport you and imprison you." Members of Nujoma's cabinet have reportedly made similar statements that homosexuals should be "eliminated" from Namibian society. Amnesty International believes that the vilification and persecution of persons for their sexuality is a violation of their fundamental human rights. "Amnesty International considers those imprisoned for their sexual orientation, or for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression and assembly, to be prisoners of conscience," added Andrew Anderson. **************************************************************** You may repost this message onto other sources provided the main text is not altered in any way and both the header crediting Amnesty International and this footer remain intact. Only the list subscription message may be removed. **************************************************************** To subscribe to amnesty-L, send a message to with "subscribe amnesty-L" in the message body. To unsubscribe, send a message to with "unsubscribe amnesty-L" in the message body. If you have problem signing off, contact . handles only messages concerning list administration. Past and current Amnesty news services can be found at . Visit for information about Amnesty International and for other AI publications. Contact amnestyis@amnesty.org if you need to get in touch with the International Secretariat of Amnesty International.