Luanda - The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the European Union (EU) analyzed, on Tuesday, in Luanda, human rights issues.
At the centre of this meeting, held behind closed doors, was the recent demonstration by civil society against the rising of the cost of living, frustrated by the police, on the 11th of this month.
The issue of human trafficking, Angola's National Strategy on Human Rights, the impact of Covid-19 on health, economy and freedom of expression were also addressed, among other topics.
At the end of the meeting, the minister of Justice and Human Rights, Francisco Queiroz, explained to the press that the two parties evaluated the progress achieved by the country in this area.
As for the demonstrations, the minister recalled that they are constitutionally enshrined and are respected by the Angolan authorities, but regretted the fact that they have been used, in recent times, for political benefit.
"There was political advantage that ended up introducing an unusual political claim in the normal manifestation that had to do with electoral processes of the municipalities, which ended up transforming this normal relationship between citizens and governing bodies into a situation of some violence," he said, referring to the frustrated protest on 11 November.
He stated that the demonstrations do not need to be authorized, but they need to be made known to the authorities in order to take protective measures.
"What is needed is that they are within the law and that there is no disturbance to public order and tranquility", he expressed.
In another area, Francisco Queiroz said that the Covid-19 pandemic created economic and social difficulties not only in Angola, but also in the countries of the EU, leading to the loss of many jobs, closure of companies.
In turn, the European Union ambassador to Angola, Jeannette Seppen, said that the commitment to Human Rights must continue to be respected in Angola.
He stated that the Angolan authorities guaranteed at the meeting that human rights will continue to be respected.
According to the source, the European Union has expressed its concerns and underlined respect for human rights, even in difficult times.
