The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) in Seychelles has expressed concerns over two key legislative issues: the recently enacted Drugs Enforcement Agency Seychelles Act (DEAS Act) and the existing Public Assembly Act. Arid supports recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Council, urging the government to remove restrictions on civic space and establish mechanisms to protect human rights defenders. This stance aligns with international human rights standards.
The Public Assembly Act, which governs peaceful assemblies, has been criticized for allowing authorities to restrict the venue and timing of assemblies if deemed a risk to public health, morality, or safety. Arid notes that this provision has been abused in the past by the Commissioner of Police, who is responsible for issuing permissions under the Act. This has raised concerns about the potential for arbitrary restrictions on public gatherings.
The DEAS Act contains provisions that raise serious human rights concerns, particularly the clause allowing officers conducting searches and arrests to conceal their identities. Arid argues that citizens must be able to identify officers when they are exercising law-enforcement powers. This is essential for ensuring accountability and preventing potential abuses of authority.
Arid has called on the Government of Seychelles to address these concerns by making several key changes. Firstly, they recommend removing the identity concealment provision in the DEAS Act, ensuring that all officers are identifiable when conducting searches, arrests, or other functions. This would enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Additionally, Arid recommends safeguarding association autonomy by removing disproportionate restrictions in the Associations Act to comply with international standards. They also advocate for protecting defenders and journalists by guaranteeing protection against intimidation, harassment, and attacks. These measures aim to create a safer environment for human rights defenders and promote civic engagement.
Arid further suggests reviewing demonstration restrictions to align limits on public demonstrations with international human rights standards. They propose amending the notice requirement, which currently mandates five working days' written notice to the Commissioner of Police before holding a peaceful assembly. This would help to ensure that public gatherings are not unduly restricted.
Ultimately, Arid emphasizes that Seychelles must turn its commitments into concrete implementation and ensure effective, unqualified protection of human rights for all. By addressing these concerns and making the recommended changes, the government can promote a more enabling environment for human rights and civic engagement in the country.
Key points
- Arid recommends removing identity concealment in the DEAS Act to ensure officers are identifiable during searches and arrests.
- The organization advocates for safeguarding association autonomy and protecting defenders and journalists from intimidation and harassment.
- Arid suggests reviewing demonstration restrictions and amending the notice requirement for public assemblies to align with international human rights standards.
