Open the Doors: Towards Complete Freedom of Movement for Human Rights Defenders in Exile in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Uganda attracts the highest number of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region. Factors including an ‘open door’ policy, relative political stability, and a central geographical location have contributed to Uganda becoming an attractive hub for human rights defenders. The right to freedom of movement is enshrined in all significant human rights treaties and many regional and sub-regional economic treaties, including the one establishing the East African Community. However, in practice many exiled human rights defenders and refugees face various obstacles to move freely. This article explores the scope and meaning of freedom of movement into, within, and out of Uganda. Uganda remains one of, if not the most open country in the region for asylum-seekers, where everyone, including refugees and exiled human rights defenders, may move and settle wherever they choose. However, the majority of human rights defenders struggle to leave Uganda as they usually do not possess a national passport. While Convention Travel Documents, or refugee passports, are provided for under Ugandan and international refugee law, they are elusive in the refugee community and the majority of those interviewed face overwhelming challenges in obtaining one. This leaves many feeling hopeless and not in control of their own future or opportunities, as they are unable to travel within the East African Community, or beyond, for any reason. In particular, women human rights defenders and those who identified as, or advocated for the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) community, face compounded difficulties when moving within and out of Uganda, including arbitrary restrictions by authorities, violations by private actors, and protection concerns when moving.