republic of gabonactivities of president ali bongo ondimba of gabon, corruption by government...

SubmissionbyCIVICUS:WorldAllianceforCitizenParticipation,NGOinGeneralConsultativeStatuswith

ECOSOC

AND

Brainforest

AND

DynamiqueOSCAF

CIVICUS:WorldAllianceforCitizenParticipation

CIVICUSUPRLead,Mr.David

Kode,Email:[email protected],Email:[email protected]

Tel:+41227333435Web:www.civicus.org

v

Brainforest

BrainforestUPRLead,Mr.MarcONAESSANGUI,Email:marc.ona@brainforest-

gabon.orgTel:(+241)01730886Web:

Website:

http://www.brainforest-gabon.org

RepublicofGabon

JointSubmissiontotheUNUniversalPeriodicReview

28thSessionoftheUPRWorkingGroup

Submitted30March2017

DynamiqueOSCAF

UPRLeadBlancheSimonny

ABEGUEEmail:

[email protected]

2

1. Introduction

1.1 CIVICUS isaglobalallianceofcivil societyorganisationsandactivistsdedicated tostrengthening citizen action and the civil society around the world. Founded in1993, we proudly promote excluded voices, especially from the global south andhavemembersinmorethan170countriesthroughouttheworld.

1.2 Brainforest is a nongovernmental organisation created in 1998. Its mission is towork to preserve the environment and the sustainable and fair management ofnaturalresources.Inadditiontoitsecologicalobjectives,Brainforestalsoworkstopoliticalandeconomicgovernance,respectforhumanrightsincludingtherightsofindigenouspeopledirectlyaffectedbytheactivitiesofextractiveindustries.

1.3 Dynamique OSCAF is a forum for reflection and analysis for civil society

organisations in Francophone African countries. Its objective is to mobilise civilsociety in thedraftingofpolicies thatpromoteeconomicdevelopmentatnational,regionalandinternationallevel.

1.4 In this document CIVICUS, Brainforest and Dynamique OSCAF examine the

governmentofGabon’scompliancewith its internationalhumanrightsobligationstocreateandmaintainasafeandenablingenvironmentforcivilsociety.Specifically,weanalyseGabon’sfulfilmentoftherightstofreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociationandunwarrantedrestrictionsonHumanRightsDefenders(HRDS)sinceitspreviousUPRexaminationon23October2012. TothisendweassessGabon’simplementationof recommendationsreceivedduring the2ndUPRcycle relating tothese issues and provide a number of specific, action-oriented follow-uprecommendations. Gabon is listed as ‘obstructed’ on the CIVICUSMonitor whichevaluates protection of the freedoms of expression, association and peacefulassembly.1

1.5 DuringthesecondUPRcycle,Gabonhasreceivedatotalof156recommendations.

Oftheserecommendations,103wereacceptedand53werenoted.Anevaluationofa range of legal sources and human rights documentation demonstrate that thegovernment of the Republic of Gabon has not fully implemented most of therecommendations it acceptedandnoted in relation to theabove-mentioned rightsnecessarytopromoteandprotectcivicspace.

1.6 CIVICUS, Brainforest and Dynamique OSCAF are deeply concerned about

unwarranted restrictions on journalists and independent media agencies and the

1See,https://monitor.civicus.org/

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promulgationofunduly restrictive legislation including theCommunicationsCode,whichunderminetherighttofreedomofexpression.Wearefurtheralarmedthatsecurityforceshaveusedexcessiveandunlawfulforcetodispersepeacefulprotests,particularlythoseheldduringperiodsofelectionsandwhendemonstratorsopposegovernmentpracticesorpolicies.Weareequallyconcernedaboutthetargetingandjudicialpersecutionofcivilsocietyactivists.

• In section B, CIVICUS, Brainforest and Dynamique OSCAF examine Gabon’simplementationofUPRrecommendationsandcompliancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsconcerning the freedomofexpression,protectionofjournalistsandindependenceofthemedia.

• In section C, CIVICUS, Brainforest et Dynamique OSCAF examine Gabon’simplementationofUPRrecommendationsandcompliancewithinternationalhumanrights standards related to theprotectionofhumanrightsdefendersandcivilsocietyactivists.

• In section D, CIVICUS, Brainforest and Dynamique OSCAF examine Gabon’simplementationofUPRrecommendationsandcompliancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsconcerningthefreedomofassembly.

• In section E, CIVICUS, Brainforest and Dynamique OSCAF examine Gabon’simplementationofUPRrecommendationsandcompliancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsrelatedtofreedomofassociation.

• In sectionF,CIVICUS,Brainforest andDynamiqueOSCAFmakeanumberofrecommendationstoaddresstheconcernslisted.

2. (B) Freedom of expression, independence of the media and assault on

journalists

2.1 Under the second UPR cycle, the Gabonese government accepted 9 and noted 4recommendationsrelatingtofreedomofexpression,independenceofmediaandtheprotection of journalists. Among other commitments, the government pledged todiscontinuebroadrestrictionsonmediaandfreedomofexpressionandtoengageinregular dialogue with journalists to create an environment that encourages freeexpressionwithoutfearofcensure(proposalmadebytheUSA).ThegovernmentoftheRepublicofGabonalsocommittedtorespectingthepluralityandfreedomofthepress, particularly the application of neutral sanctionmeasures by the regulatoryorgans such as the National Communications Council (proposal made by Spain).However, asdiscussedbelow, thegovernmenthasnot fully implementedall theserecommendations.

2.2 Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

guarantees the right to freedom of expression and opinion. Article 2 of theConstitutionofGabonalsoguarantees theright to freedomofexpression. It statesthat “Freedomofconscience, thought,opinion,expression,communicationandthe

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freepractiseofreligionareguaranteedtoallsubjecttotherespectofpublicorder."While Gabon has several private media agencies, including radio stations,newspapersandTVstations,theseoutletshavebeentargetedwhentheyreportonissues considered sensitive by the government. Some of such issues include theactivities of President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, corruption by governmentrepresentatives, and ritual crimes. Because of the likelihood of reprisals againstjournalists and media agencies that report on these issues, a number of mediaoutletshaveresortedtoself-censorship.Inaddition,theGaboneseauthoritieshavetargetedindependentmediaagenciesduringelectionperiodsincludingbyattackingprivateradiostationsandnewspapersandblockedaccesstotheinternet.

2.3 The national media regulatory body – the Conseil National de la Communication(CNC) or National Communications Council is responsible for monitoring themedia’scompliancewithnational lawsandtheCommunicationsCode. TheCNCiscomposedof9membersappointedbythePresidentofGabonandleadersofthetwolegislativechamberscontrolledbytherulingparty. Thus, the independenceoftheCNC has sometimes been called into question as it has been subject to politicalinfluencefromthegoverningpartyandtheMinistryofCommunications.2TheCNChas interferedwith the functioning ofmedia outlets, particularly those owned bymembersofthepoliticalopposition.

2.4 The Communications Code (Law n°19/2016 of 09 August 2016) effective since 2

January 2017 prohibits government officials and those in the public service fromowningmediaoutlets.WhiletheCodedecriminalisesmediaoffences,ithasseveralrestrictiveprovisionswhichcurtailfreedomofexpressionandunderminetheabilityof journalists towork independentlyorwithout fearof censure. Article16of theCodeprohibitsanyindividualsincludingGabonesecitizensfromoperatingamediaagency in Gabon or for developing news stories for circulation in Gabon if theyreside abroad. Such provisions unwarrantedly preclude, publishers and editors inexilefromoperatingmediaoutletswhileabroad.

2.5 In addition, Article 80 which requires journalists to protect public order and

promotenationalunityisbothoverlybroadandendowstheauthoritieswithwidediscretion to censor or sanction critical journalists. Moreover, the Code requiresjournaliststohaveaqualificationwhichisapprovedbythegovernmentandstatesthat journalists must have worked for five years with a media outlet in order toqualifytopracticejournalismbutdoesnotprovidedetailsonwhatthequalification

2 "Gabon: The CNC suspends two Dailies and one private television", http://french.peopledaily.com.cn/96852/7952192.html, assessed on 15 February 2017.

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ormediaoutletsshouldbe.2.6 On3November2016,20staffmembersincluding9journalistsoftheEchosduNord

newspaperwerearrestedandinterrogatedwhenarmedmembersoftheintelligenceagency raided the newspaper’s Libreville offices. 3 The following day on 4November,RaissaOyeAsseko,thepaper’sdeputyeditor,wasarrestedatherhomeandtorturedtoforcehertodisclosethepasswordtohere-mailaddress.ThisarrestswerecarriedoutafterthepaperpublishedanarticlewhichallegedthattheheadoftheGeneralDirectorateofDocumentationandImmigration(DGDI)wasarrestedforfraud. All those arrested were released on 4 November following pressure fromjournalists and media agencies abroad and Raissa was released on 5 November2016.

2.7 On31August2016, followingprotestsagainstpresidentialelectionsresultswhich

extendedthetermofPresidentAliBongo,authoritiescutInternetandsocialmedia.4Total disconnection lasted for 4 days and after that connections were partlyrestored. Then, the authorities imposed a curfew and no internet connectivitybetween the hours of 6pm and 6am. Social media sites including Facebook,WhatsApp and Twitter were blocked throughout the day. The response of thegovernmenttowardstheproteststhat followedtheproclamationof theresults ledto violent attacks and arsononprivate television stations. MostGabonesehad torely on French news agencies. On 31 August 2016, heavily armed and hoodedmembers of security agencies burnt down television station Radio TelevisionNazareth(RTN)destroyingitsbroadcastingequipment.5Anotherprivatetelevisionstation Tele Pluswas also attacked. Television stationwhich are affiliated to theregimeofPresidentAliBongo includingKanal7,TeleAfrica,Gabon24andGabonTelevisionwerelargelyunaffectedbytheseattacks.6

2.8 On10June2015,JeremieAkameandHermelandLoubah,journalistsworkingforthe

L’Aubenewspaperweresentencedto12monthsinprison–suspendedandfined1million Francs CFA (approximately US $ 2000) for "insulting the Head of State".

3«LapoliceGabonaiseprendd’assautleslocauxd’unjournaldel’opposition,desjournalistesarrêtés»,http://www.africanews.com/2016/11/03/gabonese-police-storm-opposition-newspaper-office-journalists-arrested/,[EN],accessed20March,2017.4"Gabon:disconnectionoftheInternet,theautocrat'sreflex“,Libération ,http://www.liberation.fr/planete/2016/09/05/gabon-debrancher-internet-le-reflexe-de-l-autocrate_1484703,consultedon15February2017.

5«Gabon:TV+etRTNincendiéesetsaccagéespardeshommescagoulésàlasoldedupouvoir,»,Gabon:TV+etRTNincendiéesetsaccagéespardeshommescagoulésàlasoldedupouvoir,Accessed20February2017.

6 Ibid. gabonreview.com/blog/sale-week-end-les-patrons-echos-du-nord-faits-divers, accessed 20 February 2017.

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Theywere sentencedbecauseof anarticle theyhadpublished in the20February2015 edition of the paper titled "Panthers eliminated, Ali Bongobrings bad luck",after the Gabonese national football teamwas knocked out of the African Cup ofNationshostedbyEquatorialGuinea.7

2.9 On5May2015, JeandeDieuNdoutoum-Eyi,editorof theEzombolonewspaper-a

weekly publication was arrested and detained for four days at the offices of theintelligence services without any charges. He was arrested after publishing anarticleaboutadisagreementbetweenPresidentAliBongoandhisDefenceMinisterduringameeting.Authoritiesforcedhimtorevealhissource.

2.10 On19December2014,DésiréEnameand JonasMoulenda, editors of the

weeklynewspapersEchosdunordandFaitsdiverswerearrestedbyJudicialPoliceafter publishing articles which implicated the Special Adviser to the GabonesePresidentofritualcrimes.ThearrestswereauthorisedbytheSpecialAdviser.Afterthetwojournalistswereinterrogated,theyreceiveddeaththreatsfromanonymoussourcesandhadtofleetoavoidreprisals.TheynowliveinFrancefromwheretheycontinue to run the operations of their paper and the restrictive provisions(particularlyArticle16)ofthenewCommunicationsCodeisaimedatstoppingthepublicationofthenewspapers(see2.4above).

2.11 On 8 September2014, two weekly newspapers owned by the political

opposition -LaLoupeandL’Aube,were forced to suspendpublicationafternotingthat copies previously printed by editors were replaced by fake ones. On 2September2014,copiesoftheeditionofLaLoupeavailableinkiosksweredifferentfromthosepreviouslyprintedbystaffofthepaper. Theircontentwasreplacedbyinformationwhichpraisedtheactionsofthegovernment.ThecontentoftheL'Aubenewspaperwasalsoreplacedbyfictitiousstories.Editorsofbothpapersreportedthat the fictitious stories were published by officials working in the office of thePresident of Gabon. In addition, between February and November 2015, theMinisterofCommunicationconsistentlyaccusedL’AubeandLaLoupeofattemptingtodisruptpublicorder,incitementtohatredandforcivildisobedience.8

7www.jeuneafrique.com/.../gabon-deux-journalistes-condamnes-a-prison-outrage-presi..//;gabonreview.com/blog/ali-bongo-serial-plaignant/,accessed12March2017.

8Gabonreview.com/blog/piratage-loupe-laube-rsf-interpelle-presidence-republique/.gabonreview.com/blog/piratage-presse-apres-loupe-laube,accessed17February2017.

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2.12 On 29 May 2013, the CNC suspended the Ezombolo newspaper for 6months after the paper published an article which was critical of the regime ofPresidentBongoon22April2013.TheCNCalsosuspendedLaCalottenewspaperarepublishingstorieswhichwerecriticaloftheMinisterforInvestmentandDeputyMinisterofHealth.

2.13 On13March2013,DimitriLouba,editoroftheprivatedailynewspaperLaLoupe, was sentenced to 5 months in prison – suspended and ordered to pay200000FrancsCFA(approximatelyUS$400)tothePublicTreasuryafterhewasfound guilty of defamation. He was prosecuted after he published an article inwhich he accused the Director of Budgets of corruption. In the article, hesarcasticallyaskediftheDirectofBudgetswasa“smallorbigthief.”93 (C ) Harassment, intimidation and assault on human rights defenders of

andcivilsocietyorganisations.

3.1 UnderGabon’spreviousUPRexamination,thegovernmentaccepted6andnoted1recommendation on the protection of human rights defenders and civil societyrepresentatives. These include a commitment to better operationalise goodpractices includingthewide implementationofhumanrightspublicpoliciesbasedon the collaborationbetween the state and civil society (proposedbyChile). ThegovernmentofGabonalsoagreedtoencouragethefunctioningofitscivilsocietyinparticularhumanrightsNGOs(proposedbySlovakia).Howeverasreviewedinthissection,thegovernmenthasnotfullyimplementedmostoftheserecommendations.

3.2 Article12oftheUnitedNationsDeclarationonHumanRightsDefendersmandatesstatestotakenecessarymeasurestoensureprotectionofhumanrightsdefenders.The ICCPR furtherguarantees the freedomofexpression, associationandpeacefulassembly. However, despite these provisions, human rights defenders and civilsociety activists have been subjected to judicial persecution, intimidationharassment,assaultandhavebeenthevictimsofsmearcampaignstodiscreditthemandtheirwork.

3.3 On18January2017,civilsocietyactivistsMarceauMalekou,MelvinGondjout,Alex

Haore and Barry Ndimal were arrested by security forces in Nkembo, afterparticipatinginaprotestagainstthehostingoftheAfricanNationsCupbyGabon.10

9“5moisd’emprisonnementet200000francsCFAd’amendepourDimitriLouba,»Bongodoitpartir,http://www.bdpmodwoam.org/articles/2013/03/14/5-mois-demprisonnement-et-200-000-francs-cfa-damende-pour-dimitri-louba/#.WKQ61-navmQ,accessed15February2017.10«Arrestationsarbitraires:desjeunesgabonaisopposesàlaCAN2017toujoursdétenusàLibreville»http://info241.com/arrestation-arbitraire-des-jeunes-gabonais-opposes-a-la-can2017,2460,accessed15February2017.

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Theactivistsdisplayedabannerwhichcriticisedthedecisionbythecountrytohostthis football tournament before they were arrested and taken to an unknowndestination.11All fouraremembersof thecivilsocietymovement, theJeunessedel’opposition -Unie Pour La Resistance (JOUR). Their actions were aimed atreminding the public that Gabon had gone through a difficult political period,characterised by violent repression of peacefulmarches, restriction of freedomofexpressionanddigitalrightsandthearrestofprotestersdenouncingresultsofthepresidential election of 27 August 2016 (see point 4.3). The activists alsoorgnanisedtheprotesttohighlightthefactthatthegovernmentdecidedtohostthecostly African Cup of Nations despite an ongoing economic crisis. The activistsappearedbeforeamagistrateandwereaccusedofdisturbingorderbyorganisingaprotest without prior authorisation. All four were provisionally released on 25January2017.12

3.4 On7October2016, SylvieNKOGHE-MBOT, an activist and leaderof unions in thehealth sector was arrested by the police. He was arrested after he published areportonthehumanrightsviolationscommittedbythestateduringtherepressionof protests following the publication of the results of the Presidential elections inAugust2016. In the report, SylvieNKOGHE-MBOThighlighted casesofdeathandinjuriesandtestimoniesfromvictimsofthestate’sviolentresponsetotheprotests.ThegovernmentofGabonhadrefusedtoacknowledgethefullextentofthehumanrights violations committed during the post elections crisis. Following pressurefromcivilsocietyorganisationsinGabon,SylvieNKOGHE-MBOTwasreleasedaftertendaysindetention.Duringthe59thOrdinarySessionoftheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeopleRights (ACHPR), held fromOctober toNovember2016, theCommissionadoptedaresolution(CADHP/Rés.359LIX)onthesituationofHumanRights in the Republic of Gabon. This resolution condemned the human rightsviolations committed during the post elections crisis and the unwarrantedrestrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and the use ofdisproportionateforceagainstprotesters.

3.5 In March 2013, environmental human rights defender, Marc Ona Essangui, washanded a six-month suspended sentence after hewas found guilty of defamation.During televisedaTVdebateheexaminedpurportedcorruptionpractisebetweenLiban Souleyman, Chief of staff for PresidentAli Bongo and a Singapore companyOlamoperating inGabon.MarcOna isavocal criticof reportedcollusionbetweenthe Olam company and the government including the opaque transfer of land to

11 « Boycott de la CAN : Héritage et modernité exige la libération des interpelés »,http://gabonreview.com/blog/campagne-de-boycott-de-can-rassemblement-heritage-modernite-exige-liberation-jeunes-leaders-interpeller/, accessed 27 February 2017. 12«Urgent:Marceau,Barry,MelvinetAlexenlibertéProvisoire,”GabonMediaTime»,http://www.gabonmediatime.com/urgent-marceau-barry-melvin-et-alex-en-liberte-provisoire/,accessed27February2017

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Olamwithout consultation with affected communities or conducting an adequateenvironmentalassessment.HealsoexpressedconcernoverreportsofintimidationofthelocalcommunitytocoerceapprovalofproposedprojectsbyOlam.MarcOnais executive director of the CSOBrainforest and Coordinator of PublishWhat YouPay, Gabon. In 2009 he was a recipient of the Goldman Prize for his efforts inexposing large scale mining projects that threatened the ecosystems of Gabon’sequatorialforests.

4 (E)Freedomofpeacefulassembly

4.1 DuringGabon’sexaminationunderthesecondUPRcycle,thegovernmentaccepted

1 recommendation related to the right of peaceful assembly. The governmentcommitted to taking thenecessarymeasures toensure freedomofexpression, thepressandpeacefulassemblybyensuinginteraliathatthoseresponsibleforactsofintimidation, harassment or violence against persons for having exercised theserightsareheld toaccount(proposedbyCanada). Despite thesecommitments, thegovernmenthasnotfullyimplementedthem.

4.2 Article21oftheICCPRguaranteesthefreedomofpeacefulassembly. Itstatesthat

norestrictionmaybeplacedontheexerciseofthisrightotherthanthoseimposedin conformity with the law. However, despite these protections, the Gaboneseauthorities have used excessive force to disperse peaceful protests questioninggovernmentpoliciesaswellastheoutcomeoftheAugust2016nationalelections.

4.3 On31August2016,aftertheelectionscommission,CENAPannouncedtheresultsof

the presidential elections held on 27 August 2016, security forces including theGardeRepublicaine,thearmy,Gendarmerieandanti-riotpoliceforcefullydispersedprotests using tear gas, stun grenades, and hot-water cannons. Live bulletswerealso used. Between 31 August and 3 September 2016, between 800 and 1000peoplewere arrested anddetained for takingpart in theprotests. In addition, atleast28peoplewerekilledduetoexcessiveforceusedbysecurityforcesandmorethan100unaccountedfor.

4.4 Severaldemonstrationswereorganisedbymembersofthepoliticalopposition,civil

society activists and ordinary citizens from 29th February 2016 to challengePresidentBongo'sdecisiontorunforpresidentduringelectionsscheduledfor27thAugust2016. Onseveraloccasions, thedefenceandsecurity forcespre-emptivelystopped theprotests before theywereheld. Whenprotestswere allowed to takeplace, they were typically violently repressed by security forces. Members ofpolitical opposition parties and civil society representativeswere arrested duringand after protests. On 23th July 2016, security forces dispersed a peacefuldemonstration organised by civil society groups and the main oppositioncandidates. Several journalists including AFP reporter Jean Rovis DABANY were

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physically assaulted and had to be hospitalized. Major parts of Gabon weremilitarisedfrom9July2016underwhattheauthoritiestermedOperationNguené.13According to the authorities, this operation was aimed at preventing terroristattacks and security forces were handed additional powers to increase theirpresence in different locations and carry out arrests. The authorities did nothowever provide details of any terrorist threats which reportedly prompted thisdecision.

4.5 On 9 July 2016, civil society activist Jean-Rémy Yama and members of the civilsocietymovementCitoyenDynamique were arrested by security agents in civilianclothingastheyprotestedclosetoarallyorganisedbyPresidentAliBongoandhissupporters. Jean-Rémy Yama was accused of throwing stones at the police,disturbingpublicorderandincitingviolence.HewasdetainedatLibrevilleCentralPrisonandreleasedon6October2016(after89daysofdetention).14Despitetheseaccusations,hewasnever takenbeforeamagistrate tobeprosecuted formally forthedurationofhisdetention.15Mostofhisarrestedcolleagueswere releasedonlyweeks later, following pressure from Education and Health unions. Again, on 11May 2013, civil society activist Blanche Simonny ABEGUE and six others werearrested and detained under inhumane and degrading conditions at the policepromises after theparticipated in aprotest inLibreville inwhich theydenouncedritualcrimesandimpunityenjoyedbytheperpetratorsofthesecrimes.165 (F)Freedomofassociation

5.1 DuringGabon’sexaminationunderthesecondUPRcycle,thegovernmentaccepted1recommendationrelatedtotherighttofreedomofassociationandoncreatinganenablingenvironmentforcivilsocietyorganisations.ItagreedtoextendastandinginvitationtoallUNSpecialProceduresandsubmitregularreportstoTreatyBodies(proposed by the Czech Republic). However as reviewed in this section, the

13«Sécurité:Nouvelle«opérationNguéné,»danstoutlepays,»GabonReview,http://gabonreview.com/blog/securite-nouvelle-operation-nguene-pays/,accessed1March2017.

14http://gabonreview.com/blog/jean-remy-yama-libre-dix-plus-fort/,publié le 09 octobre 2016

15«AffaireJean-RemyYama:engardeàvuedepuis5jours,safamilleréagit»,GabonMediaTime,tice-jean-remi-yama-en-garde-à-vue-depuis-5-jours/,accessed27February2017.

16http://www.afrik.com/gabon-marche-contre-les-crimes-rituels-a-librevilledu12mai2013;http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130511-gabon-manifestations-libreville-denoncer-crimes-rituels-bongo,publiéle11mai2013;http://www.jeuneafrique.com/150118/politique/gabon-trois-opposants-arr-t-s-apr-s-une-manifestation-contre-les-crimes-rituels/publiéle11mai2013etmodifiéle12mai2013

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governmenthasnotfullyimplementedmostoftheserecommendations.

5.2 Article22oftheICCPR,guaranteesfreedomofassociation.Inaddition,Article13ofthe Gabonese constitution guarantees the right to freedom of association. Itstipulatesthattherighttocreateassociations,politicalpartiesorformations,tradeunions, companies, institutions of social interest and religious communities isguaranteedtoallinaccordancewiththeconditionslaiddownbylaw.

5.3 Law 35/62 governing the functioning of associations has been challenged on a

regularbasisbycivilsocietyorganisationsbecauseofcumbersomebureaucraticandadministrative requirements for the formal registration ofNGOs. The decision toprovideaccreditationtoNGOsrestswiththeMinistryofInteriorandtheregistrationofNGOsby theMinistry is done in an inconsistentmanner. The process of fullyregistering NGOs is unnecessarily lengthy and can take between 5 to 8 years asNGOsthatseektoregisterareprovidedwithtemporaryauthorizationtooperateforsixmonthsbeforetheyareregistered.Asaresult,manyNGOsoperateona“semi-formal”basisastheiraccreditationhasnotbeenfullyapprovedwhilemanyotherswaitindefinitelyfortheirregistrationtobecompleted.ThisexposesNGOstounduerestrictions fromthegovernmentwhomayaccuse themofoperating illegally.Theweaknesses in the registration process can be used by the state to target NGOswhicharecriticalofthegovernment.On17March2017,theMinistryofEducationissued an Order (No. 006 / MISPDL) prohibiting the activities of the NationalConfederationofUnions in theEducationsector. Thebanon theactivitiesof theunionwasimposedafterteachersdemandedbetterworkingconditions.6 (G)RecommendationstotheGovernmentofGabon

CIVICUS,BrainforestandDynamiqueOSCAFcallontheGabonesegovernmenttocreate and maintain in law and practice, an enabling environment for civilsocietyinaccordancewiththerightsenshrinedintheICCPR,theUNDeclarationonHuman rights defenders andHumanRights Council resolutions 22/6, 27/5and27/31.At a minimum, the following conditions should be guaranteed: freedom ofassociation, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, the right tofunction operate, the right to seek and secure funding and the state’s duty toprotect.Inlightofthis,thefollowingspecificrecommendationsaremade.

6.1 Concerningfreedomofexpression,independenceofthemediaandaccesstoInformation

• ThoroughlyreviewandamendtheCodeofCommunicationtoensurethatitis

in line with international best practices and standards on freedom of

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expression.• Conduct extensive consultationswith themedia, civil society organisations

and citizens and provide space for feedback on areas of the Code ofCommunication that need to be amended and replaced with suitableprovisionsinlinewithGabon’sconstitutionalandinternationalobligations.

• Conduct independent investigations into the attacks on private televisionstationsincludingRTNandTelePlusandbringtheperpetratorstojustice.

• Stopthepracticeoftargetingindependentnewspapersandsuspendingtheirpublicationsimplybecausetheyreportonandpublishstoriesthatchallengetheactionsoftheauthorities.

• Ensurethatjournalistsareabletoworkfreelyandwithoutfearofretributionfor expressing critical opinions or for covering topics that the governmentmayfindsensitive.

• Takeadequatestepstoliftrestrictionsonfreedomofexpressionandadoptaframework for the protection of journalists from persecution, intimidationandharassment.

• Refrain from censoring social and conventional media, particularly inpolitically sensitive periods and ensure that freedom of expression issafeguardedinallforms,includingthearts.

6.2Concerningtheprotectionofhumanrightsdefenders

• Civil societymembersandhuman rightsdefenders shouldbeprovideda safeandsecureenvironment to carryout theirwork.Conduct impartial, thoroughand effective investigations into all cases of attacks, harassment, andintimidationagainstthemandbringperpetratorsofsuchoffencestojustice.

• Stop the intimidation harassment and judicial persecution of civil societyactivists,includingthosewhoadvocateforenvironmentalandlandrights.

6.3Concerningtherightofassembly• Reviewand ifnecessaryupdateexistinghumanrights training forpoliceand

securityforceswiththeassistanceofindependentcivilsocietyorganisationtofoster more consistent application of international human rights standards,includingtheUNBasicPrinciplesontheUseofForceandFirearms.

• Carry out independent investigations into the violent response to peacefulprotests after the proclamation of the results of elections held on27August2016andholdtheperpetratorsaccountable.

• Revealthewhereaboutsandthestateofallthosewhoremainunaccountedforafter the use of extreme violence against protesters who denounced theoutcomeoftheAugust2016elections.

• ReleaseallthosestillindetentionforparticipatinginpeacefulprotestsbeforeandaftertheAugust2016elections.

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• Recourse for judicial review and effective remedy should be providedincludingcompensation incasesofunlawfuldenialof therightto freedomofassemblybystateauthorities.

• EnsurethatsecurityforcesabidebytheUnitedNationsBasicPrinciplesonthe

UseofForceandFirearmsbyLawEnforcementOfficials.17Forceshouldnotbeused unless it is strictly unavoidable, and if applied it must be done inaccordancewithinternationalhumanrightslaw.18

6.4Concerningfreedomofassociation

• ReplaceLaw35/62whichgovernsthefunctioningofassociationswithamoreenablinglawfortheregistrationandoperationofassociations.

• Rescind Order (No. 006 /MISPDL) prohibiting the activities of the NationalConfederationofUnionsintheEducationsectorandallowallassociationsandlabour unions to carry out their activities without intimidation and fear orreprisals.

• Take measures to foster a safe, respectful, enabling environment for civilsociety, including through removing legal and policy measures whichunwarrantedlylimittherighttoassociation.

6.5 RegardingaccesstoUNSpecialProceduresmandateholders

• Thegovernmentshouldprioritiseofficialvisitswith the:1)SpecialRapporteur

on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion andexpression; 2) Special Rapporteuron the Independence ofJudgesandLawyers;3) Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitraryexecutions; 4)Special Rapporteur onHumanRights Defenders; 5) Special Rapporteur on theRight to Freedom of Association and Assembly and 6) Working Group onArbitraryDetention.

17BasicPrinciplesontheUseofForceandFirearmsbyLawEnforcementOfficialshttp://www.ohchr.org/Documents/ProfessionalInterest/firearms.pdf18JointreportoftheSpecialRapporteurontherightstofreedomofpeacefulassemblyandofassociationandtheSpecialRapporteuronextrajudicial,summaryorarbitraryexecutionsonthepropermanagementofassemblies,UNDoc.A/HRC/31/66,February2016,http://freeassembly.net/wpcontent/uploads/2016/02/A.HRC_.31.66_E_with_addendum.pdf

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6.6 RegardingStateengagementwithcivilsociety

• Implementtransparentandinclusivemechanismsofpublicconsultationswithcivil society organizations on all issues mentioned above and enable moreeffectiveinvolvementofcivilsocietyinthepreparationoflawandpolicy.

• Systematically consult with civil society on the implementation of UPR

recommendations including by holding periodical comprehensiveconsultationswithadiverserangeofcivilsocietyactors.

• IncorporatetheresultsofthisUPRintoGabon’sactionplansforthepromotion

andprotectionof all human rights, taking into account theproposals of civilsocietyandpresentamidtermevaluationreporttotheHumanRightsCouncilontheimplementationoftherecommendationsofthissession.

Assessmentofimplementationofcivicspacerecommendations:Theme:A22Cooperationwithtreatybodies101.33ExtendastandinginvitationtoallspecialproceduresoftheHumanRightsCouncilandsubmitregularreportstothetreatybodies(CzechRepublic);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101

Supported A22Cooperationwithtreatybodies

A24Cooperationwithspecialprocedures

Affectedpersons:

-general

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:SeeParagrapgh5.1

Theme:A24Cooperationwithspecialprocedures101.35ContinuethecooperationwiththeinternationalhumanrightsprotectionsystembyextendinganopenstandinginvitationtotheHumanRightsCouncilSpecialProcedures(France);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101

Supported A24Cooperationwithspecialprocedures

Affectedpersons:

-general

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:Seeparagraph5.1

101.37IssueastandinginvitationtoallspecialproceduresoftheHumanRightsCouncil(Portugal);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101

Supported A24Cooperationwithspecialprocedures

Affectedpersons:

-general


15

Theme:A61Cooperationwithcivilsociety101.80Encouragefunctioningofitscivilsociety;inparticularhumanrightsNGOs(Slovakia);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101

Supported A61Cooperationwithcivilsociety

H1Humanrightsdefenders

Affectedpersons:

-humanrightsdefenders

-general


Theme:D43Freedomofopinionandexpression101.73Ensurecompliancewitharticle19oftheICCPRandworkstowardsanenvironmentconducivetoafreeandopenpress(Norway);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101

Supported D43Freedomofopinionandexpression

Affectedpersons:

-media

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:Seeparagraphs2.1,2.2and2.3

101.75Discontinueoverlybroadrestrictionsonthemediaandfreedomofexpression,andengageinregulardialoguewithjournaliststocreateanenvironmentthatencouragesfreeexpressionwithoutfearofcensure(UnitedStatesofAmerica);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101


A41Constitutionalandlegislativeframework

Affectedpersons:

-media

Status:NotimplementedSource:Seeparagraphs2.3,2.4and2.7

101.78Undertakefurthermeasurestoensurefreedomofthepressbasedonthedecriminalizationofpressoffencesandrespectforthelegitimaterightsofthepress(Australia);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101



A42Institutions&policies-General

Affectedpersons:

-media

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:Seeparagraphs2.4and2.7

16

101.79Respectthepluralityandfreedomofthepress,particularlytheapplicationofneutralsanctionmeasuresbytheregulatoryorgans,suchastheNationalCommunicationCouncil(Spain);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101



Affectedpersons:

-media

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:Seeparagraphs2.3and2.12

101.76Adoptlegislativeandothermeasurestoguaranteeinlawandpracticeprotectionoffreedomofexpressionandindependenceofjournalists(CzechRepublic);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101




Affectedpersons:

-media

Status:NotimplementedSource:Seeparagraph2.4

101.77Takethenecessarymeasurestoensurefreedomofexpression,thepressandpeacefulassembly,interaliabyensuringthatthoseresponsibleforactsofintimidation,harassmentorviolenceagainstpersonsforhavingexercisedtheirrightsareheldaccountable(Canada);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/5-Para.101


D44Righttopeacefulassembly

B51Righttoaneffectiveremedy

Affectedpersons:

-general

-media

Status:NotfullyimplementedSource:Seeparagraphs2.7,2.8,2.10and2.13