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The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) - Uganda The Uganda Human Rights Commission is an independent Constitutional body established to promote and protect human rights. It is established under article 51(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) and by the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act No.4 of 1997.The function of the UHRC is to empower the public by giving them basic knowledge about their rights. In addition the UHRC is responsible for investigating violations of human rights. It can make an order for appropriate redress where a violation is proven. Traditionally citizens whose rights have been violated can claim redress through courts of law. Article 50 of the constitution still gives this duty to the courts. The UHRC is not therefore a substitute for the courts, but an additional organ available for citizens and it complements the work of the judiciary. All complaints about violation of human rights can be brought to the Commission except for cases that are before a competent court of law, or those that are time barred (violations that took place before 8th October 1995). One of the functions of the UHRC is to ensure compliance with international
treaties. The UHRC has specific programmes concerning women. One of the major
functions is to popularize the Constitution at national and lower levels and
hence educate grassroots women on their rights. It also investigates complaints
and provides redress in appropriate cases. |
