REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
OPENING ADDRESS AT THE 55th AFRICAN
COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’S
RIGHTS ORDINARY SESSION
DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLECY RUI JORGE
MANGUEIRA, MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND
HUMAN RIGHTS
Luanda, 28 April 2014
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLECY RUI JORGE MANGUEIRA, MINISTER OF
JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, AT THE OPENING OF THE 55th AFRICAN COMMISSION
ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’S RIGHTS ORDINARY SESSION.
Madam Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie, Chairperson of the African Commission on
Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Honorable Members of the
Rights,
African Commission on Human and Peoples’
Esteemed Heads of the Distinguished Delegations,
Esteemed Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Angola,
Esteemed Representatives of agencies forming part of the UN system,
Esteemed representatives of Civil Society Organizations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is with great honor that the Republic of Angola hosts the 55th African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Ordinary Session in Luanda on 28 April
2014. On behalf of the Angolan people as a whole, I would like to welcome you,
wishing you a pleasant stay in Luanda.
We feel proud because the people of Angola have always enriched Africa and the
world at large with their ability to promote dialogue and bring the various cultures
together.
From our forefathers we have inherited a profound desire to bring dignity to our
continent and to plan for the future with honor. This noble mission is what brings
us together in this hall today as representatives of the various African countries.
We fulfill a part of this goal as we jointly examine our common problems,
especially when the rights, freedoms and well-being of our peoples come under
scrutiny. We believe that the 55th African Commission Session will attain its stated
goals.
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We firmly believe that since independence Angola has promoted and
defended the fundamental rights and freedoms of human beings both
as individuals and members of organized social groups. This has
ensured the respect and guarantee of human rights by the legislative,
executive and judicial branches through the relevant agencies and
institutions as provided in the Angolan Constitution and the various
international legal instruments in force in the country, notably the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The African Charter fully complies with national institutions which
have been established and are committed to the social, economic and
political development of our countries – an indispensable factor in the
consolidation of peace and social harmony.
In Angola, the African Charter has progressively been implemented
with good results, notably the strengthening of public institutions
protecting these fundamental rights. We have strengthened ties with
various civil society organizations, enabling us to identify and resolve a
number of situations. This has positively contributed towards the
promotion, protection of human rights.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
As with the previous Constitutions, the Constitution of the Republic of
Angola, which has been in force since 5 February 2010, provides for
fundamental rights and duties which ought to be interpreted in the
light of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter
on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as other international human
rights treaties ratified by Angola.
The Republic of Angola is a sovereign and independent State, which
steadfastly respects the dignity and the will of its people. Its main goal
is the construction of an increasingly free, just, democratic and
cooperative society where economic, social and cultural equality and
progress shall prevail.
The Angolan Government is headed by His Excellency José Eduardo
dos Santos who is the President of the Republic. Angola has put
policies in place and has been executing multidisciplinary programs,
taking into account not only the country’s geopolitical dimension, but
also the strengthening of civic, political, economic, social and cultural
rights of our people.
On the occasion of this important event, we would like to refer to the
implementation of fundamental human rights in Angola.
We would like to underline that the State of Angola guarantees
and respects the right to life. Life is an inviolable right. We
categorically oppose any form of summary or arbitrary
executions. In fact, in Angola such practices are punishable by law.
The death penalty was formally abolished in Angola in 1991, and in
fact it had not been imposed since 1979.
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
In virtue of this, the role of Angolan institutions has been and
shall continue to be to defend human life.
Hence, we would like to draw attention to an irrefutable fact: any
attempt on the life of an individual shall always be met with a firm
response from the State of Angola, the aim being to protect life as
a fundamental asset and to act with the certainty of in-depth and
definitive solutions. We rely on institutions which are geared
towards achieving these goals, in particular the Office of the
Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor.
Moreover, it is important to state that in terms of Article 40 of the
Constitution, the right to freedom of expression and to press
freedom is guaranteed in our country. This provision of the
Constitution states that every citizen is entitled to freely express,
disseminate and share his thoughts, ideas and views.
Regarding press freedom, it is important to underline that those who
disseminate news have a duty to act with caution. News media
professionals should strictly adhere to technical, professional and
ethical standards.
Still on this issue, we would like to recall that in terms of Article
67 of the Angolan Constitution, “a person is presumed innocent
until proven guilty”. Regardless of the charges brought against an
individual, the Courts have the final say.
Looking at it from the same standpoint, I would like to quote from
Article 20 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which
Angola is a State Party. It specifically states that “any propaganda for war shall
be prohibited by law” and that “Any advocacy of national, racial or religious
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence
shall be prohibited by law.
Our societies should, therefore, be urged to act with view to
Ensuring the most precious gain of our countries – "Independence
and Peace".
Basically, this is the path we must travel down in order to keep
independence and peace intact, while ensuring the well-being of
Angolans as a whole and Africans in general.
This being the case, those who exercise the right to freedom of
expression have a duty to adhere to this principle.
Furthermore, we would like to refer to the right to freedom of
assembly and to demonstration, as enshrined in Article 47 of the
Angolan Constitution.
The full exercise of the right to peaceful demonstration should ensure
that the voice of those who demonstrate is heard, without
disregarding the rights of other citizens because everyone is
equal before the law.
In Angola, the right to protest and to freedom of association
should be exercised in a peaceful manner and within fixed
parameters in order not to clash with other fundamental rights.
The Angolan Government upholds the right to freedom of religion
accorded to the various denominations in keeping with the tenets
of a secular State.
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The Law regulating freedom of conscience, religion and worship
enshrined in the Constitution also guarantees equal treatment, and
stipulates criteria through which a denomination may acquire legal
status. The acknowledgement of such status depends solely on strict
compliance with the provisions of this Law.
It is important to point out that every citizen is expected to comply
with the law and all its provisions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We believe that the development of our institutions will allow a
substantial improvement in the identification and resolution of the
complex human rights dissemination and consolidation process in
Angola.
There are 301 NGOs in Angola, of which 228 are Angolan and 73
international. They enjoy support and have been given incentives to
conduct their activities in Angola. We are delighted and proud to see
their presence at international human rights fora and institutions,
including the distinguished African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights.
I would like, however, to highlight the work of the Intersectorial
Human Rights Reporting Commission in examining every situation
requiring special attention and structuring on the part of the State of
Angola and Angolan society.
We would like to emphasize the gains stemming from the exercise of
fundamental rights and freedoms by Angolan citizens, notably in
relation to family matters, children, the elderly and disabled persons.
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
As of 16 May we will conduct “the General Population and Housing
Census”. This is a major social and demographic survey which will
allow the State to collect indispensable data for planning, executing
and enhancing the distribution of wealth, and for complying with the
rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of
Angola.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are aware that the 55th African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights Ordinary Session has a set of current affairs on its
lengthy agenda.
In general, the human rights situation in Africa calls for great attention.
It is our understanding that each situation ought to be analyzed
separately, given the specific conditions of each State.
The Republic of Angola has sought to actively contribute towards
efforts aimed at finding solutions through dialogue, with a view to
resolving a number of situations while taking always into account the
importance of cooperating with National and International Human
Rights Institutions as well as NGOs active in this field.
We are aware of the importance of statements to be made by the
distinguished State Delegations, AU bodies with a human rights
mandate, intergovernmental and international organizations, NHRIs
and NGOs.
We also regard as important the approach to matters related to the
submission of Periodic State Reports by Member States within the
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
scope of their undertakings under human rights treaties which they
ratified.
During this session, the dialogue which will take place with countries
which have submitted State Reports, as well as the appraisal of Activity
Reports from members of the Commission and its Special Mechanisms
shall enrich the plans to be developed for the future of human rights in
Africa.
We would like this useful debate to take place in a spirit of fraternity
and that everyone will interact with one another, taking mutual
respect into account so that we may find lasting solutions to the most
sensitive and complex problems afflicting not only our countries, but
the African continent as a whole.
We look forward to far-reaching debates inspired by African wisdom,
which take into consideration the shortcomings faced by a great many
of our countries when compared to the lessons recently learned from
mankind.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We would like to once again thank the Commission’s Secretariat for its
efforts in planning for this Session, as well as every team which created
the right conditions so that this event would be a success.
Finally, I wish you success and that the outcome of your activities shall
contribute towards peace, social harmony, cooperation and
development, and that Africans may see their civic, political, economic,
social and cultural rights promoted, protected and upheld.
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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
I declare the 55th African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Ordinary Session open.
I thank you!
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