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  • 23 NOVEMBER 2024
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Arbitrary arrests and police violence in Angola remain a concern

Arbitrary arrests, police violence, the prevention of peaceful gatherings and threats to freedom of association were the main weaknesses of Angola in the field of human rights in 2023, identified in the annual report of Amnesty International (AI).

Arbitrary arrests and police violence in Angola remain a concern
Notícias ao Minuto

06:16 - 24/04/24 por Lusa

Mundo Amnistia Internacional

The document released today paints a picture of the state of human rights in 155 countries around the world and warns of the "dire consequences of escalating conflict and the near-collapse of international law".

Amnesty International stresses that the collapse of the rule of law will likely accelerate with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), which, together with the dominance of 'Big Tech' (tech giants), risks causing an "overload" of human rights violations.

In the case of Angola, last year, "there was limited progress in the human rights situation after a turbulent year surrounding the 2022 general elections".

AI negatively highlights the use of excessive or unnecessary force to hinder "the right to peaceful assembly", which in most cases led to arbitrary arrests.

"At least five protesters and one bystander were unlawfully killed, including at least two children", stresses the non-governmental organization (NGO), referring to the protests by motorcycle taxi drivers that took place in June, in Huambo, due to the increase in the price of gasoline and which were violently repressed.

Angola is one of the countries in the African region, along with Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal and Somalia, where AI has identified the repression of dissidents and the use of excessive force to disperse protesters.

The right to freedom of association was threatened, says Amnesty, citing the NGO bill, already approved in parliament, which, according to these organizations, could limit the right to freedom of association and give the executive excessive powers to interfere in their activities.

AI also points to violations of economic, social and cultural rights, focusing on the dispute between teachers and the executive, demanding better salaries.

AI's report also focuses on the demolitions and forced evictions of hundreds of people.

The NGO also points to the devastating effects of the severe and prolonged drought in southern Angola on the food and health rights of Angolans, especially for children.

With regard to discrimination and violence against people with albinism, AI highlights Angola positively, since the country adopted the National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of the Human Rights of People with Albinism.

Read Also: Amnesty points out "abuses" by the military and repression in Mozambique (Portuguese version)

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