Monday 10 March 2014

Oz sends High Commissioner to Uganda

After strong prodding from the Labor camp, the Abbott gov has actually got something sort of right. This is the first thing since Abbott took office that I can remember as being something even sort of right. 

They have sent Australia's High Commissioner to Uganda to "make strong representations" about the new Ugandan "jail the gays" law:
THERE has been a dramatic escalation of diplomatic pressure over Uganda’s anti-gay laws, with Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop confirming on Friday that she has sent in the Australian High Commissioner to Uganda to make “strong representations”. 

Bishop’s intervention occurred after Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson Tanya Plibersek earlier in the week condemned Uganda and demanded action from the Abbott government. 

“Labor unequivocally condemns Uganda’s new anti-gay laws that reportedly include life sentences for gay sex and same-sex marriage,” Plibersek said. 

“These laws deny the LGBTI people of Uganda the most basic human rights. We call on the Abbott Government to register Australia’s protest in the strongest terms.” 

Bishop told the Star Observer: “The Australian Government recognises that everyone is entitled to respect, dignity and legal protection regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and all people are entitled to the rights and protections afforded by international human rights frameworks. 

“I am concerned by Uganda’s ‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’ signed into law on 24 February and I have written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda to raise these concerns. I have also directed the Australian High Commissioner to Uganda, based in Nairobi, to make strong representations.” more
I'm sure they're all trembling in their boots over there.... Um, what about cutting aid then? Hmmmmm, the Abbott gov already did that to everyone so not much of a political statement to do that. 

So all they're doing at this stage is huffing and puffing about it. Well what about some solid action then? And not just some Obama like rhetoric?  

No comments:

Post a Comment