As the world prepares to commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, the recent arbitrary arrests and torture of two human rights defenders from Kenya and Uganda in Tanzania last month remain as shocking as they are reprehensible. Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire were set to observe the trial of Tundu Lissu, the main Tanzanian political opposition leader who faces charges of treason, before they were allegedly abducted from their hotel rooms and subjected to gruesome torturous acts by government operatives.
The International Commission of Jurists has condemned these event sand called for the Government of Tanzania to ensure justice and reparations for the victims of torture.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the crucial role that human rights defenders play in supporting communities and States to achieve sustainable development. Governments must thus support — not punish or expel human rights defenders.
