Rights experts call for immediate end to post-election violence in Mozambique
GENEVA (15 November 2024) – UN human rights experts* have condemned the post-election violence in Mozambique, calling on authorities to take immediate action to restore calm and protect civilians.
The experts said they were alarmed by reports of excessive use of force by security forces, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and attacks against political opponents following the October 2024 presidential election.
“We urge the Government of Mozambique to take immediate steps to end the violence, investigate all allegations of human rights violations, and hold those responsible to account,” the experts said. “The rights to life, liberty and security of person must be respected, and all political actors must refrain from inciting violence.”
The experts said they were particularly concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition supporters. They called for the immediate release of all those detained without charge, and for those facing charges to be brought before a judge promptly and fairly.
They also expressed concern about the use of excessive force by security forces against protesters. They said that any use of force must be proportionate and necessary, and that lethal force should only be used as a last resort.
The experts urged all political parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve any disputes arising from the election. They stressed that violence is never a legitimate means of achieving political goals.
The experts called on the international community to support Mozambique in its efforts to restore peace and stability. They urged donors to provide financial and technical assistance to the government and to civil society organizations working to promote human rights and democracy.
“A peaceful and democratic Mozambique is essential for the stability of the region,” the experts said. “We stand ready to assist the government and all other stakeholders in their efforts to build a just and inclusive society for all.”
- The UN human rights experts are: Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Luciano Hazan, Chair of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Olivier de Frouville, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism; Felipe González Morales, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
For more information and media requests, please contact: Jeremy Laurence (+41 22 917 9383 / jlaurence@ohchr.org) or Hannah Wu (+41 22 917 9328 / hwulan@ohchr.org)
Rights experts call for immediate end to post-election violence in Mozambique
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