Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government deeply regrets the passing of an “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” by Uganda’s parliament on 21 March. This Bill would introduce discriminatory measures against Ugandan citizens, violating their fundamental human rights.

Ireland’s engagement, and our support to development programmes and partners, in Africa is based on the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, and by our international development policy, A Better World. Through these, we are committed to upholding and sustaining the work of civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground. We recognise clearly, and support, the vital role played by civil society in building peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies and the central importance of a human rights-based approach.

Through the Embassy in Kampala, Ireland has consistently raised concerns with the Ugandan government on the protection of the rights of LGBTI+ people. Ireland stands in solidarity with marginalised groups and works closely with civil society groups to promote human rights in Uganda, including through our local development and cooperation programme. We provide financial support to civil society organisations and NGOs that support and promote the advancement of human rights, including those of LGBTI+ communities.

The European Union has expressed our shared concerns at the passage of this Bill, and its criminalising of homosexuality, contrary to international law. We are very concerned at the inclusion of severe punishments, including the death penalty. Ireland repudiates the death penalty in all its forms. We consistently call for its abolition worldwide.

The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons is a foreign policy priority for the Government. They continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systematic discrimination in many countries. With our EU and other partners in Uganda, Ireland will continue to be a strong advocate for LGBTI+ rights.