Un's Efforts In Angola: A Comprehensive Overview

The United Nations has been involved in Angola since the country's independence from Portugal in 1975. The UN has undertaken peacekeeping missions, such as the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II), to monitor the ceasefire during the Angolan Civil War and to support the country's first democratic electoral system. The UN has also worked to promote human rights and gender equality in Angola, with initiatives such as the National Development Plan, which aims to empower women and eliminate gender disparities in education. Additionally, the UN has supported refugees in Angola through projects that cultivate rice, maize, and vegetables, as well as promote self-reliance and dignity within refugee communities.

The UN has supported Angola's commitment to women's empowerment and gender equality

The United Nations has been actively supporting Angola's commitment to women's empowerment and gender equality. Angola has made significant strides in this area, with policies under the National Development Plan aiming to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, equal opportunities in employment, and the elimination of gender disparities in education.

One notable initiative is the UNCTAD bee project, which aims to empower women in rural communities by teaching them modern beekeeping techniques. By harnessing the power of bees, women can improve their livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities. The project is led by women like Mavilde de Assunção Alves, a 57-year-old beekeeper from Bailundo, Angola, who has gained confidence and skills through the initiative.

The UN has also facilitated workshops and discussions on topics such as women's economic empowerment, labour force participation, and protection from violence. These workshops bring together various stakeholders, including members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and legal practitioners. The annual Women, Business, and the Law Report, which analyzes laws and regulations in 190 economies and their impact on women, serves as a valuable resource for these discussions.

Angola has performed relatively well in the Women, Business, and the Law 2023 index, scoring higher than the regional and global averages. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in laws affecting women's earnings, their ability to work after having children, and their pension benefits.

The UN's support has extended to helping Angola develop communities and promote rural women. This includes initiatives to increase the representation of women at all levels of decision-making. The country's Head of State has mandated a review of plans and policies to increase the percentage of women's representation to at least 40%. Additionally, national campaigns have been launched to prevent violence and traditional practices that violate the rights of women and girls.

The UN has welcomed Angola's repeal of its anti-gay law and ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation

The United Nations has praised Angola's repeal of its anti-gay law and its ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. On January 23, 2019, Angola adopted a new penal code, the first since its decolonization in 1975, which eliminated a provision on "vices against nature" that was historically linked to a ban on homosexual conduct. This move was welcomed by Rupert Colville, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who stated that the government had also prohibited discrimination against people based on sexual orientation.

Victor Madrigal-Borloz, a UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, also welcomed the decision, urging other states to follow Angola's lead. He stated that the existence of such legislation created an environment conducive to violence and discrimination and that it was a root cause of grave and pervasive human rights violations against gay, lesbian, trans, and bisexual people.

The repeal of the anti-gay law and the ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation are part of Angola's sweeping review of its colonial-era penal code, which had been in place since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The new penal code, approved by the National Assembly in November 2020, legalizes consenting same-sex sexual activity and bans employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. This makes Angola one of the few African countries to have such protections for LGBT people.

The changes in Angola have been attributed to various factors, including the change in political leadership in September 2017, with President João Lourenço showing a willingness to engage in more inclusive politics. The role of organized civil society, including Angola's first-ever LGBT organization, Iris Angola, has also been highlighted as significant. These developments mark a positive step towards equality and the protection of the rights of sexual minorities in Angola.

The UN has worked to repatriate Congolese refugees from Angola

The UN has been working to repatriate Congolese refugees from Angola, with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, registering refugees in Angola who want to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This registration process is to tally the total refugee population, make lists of those who want to go home, and issue identity cards to those who wish to remain in Angola. This process is important for the protection of those who remain, as ID cards allow refugees to work and confirm their legal status.

The UN is facilitating the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees from Angola, with the first convoy of 88 refugees departing from the Lôvua settlement in northern Angola in July 2022, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lôvua camp in Angola hosts around 7,000 refugees, many of whom fled political and ethnic violence in the DRC's Kasai region in 2017. UNHCR aims to repatriate roughly 19,000 refugees from Angola to the DRC, with the process beginning in October 2019.

Upon arrival in the DRC, refugees receive cash assistance to help cover basic needs and initial assistance for rent. Additional support is provided to help integrate resettled populations, such as supplying needed documentation for children to enrol in school. UNHCR has also provided immediate assistance to exhausted returnees, including cash assistance, registration, and transport where possible.

However, many returnees still face extremely difficult conditions, with some walking for days, sleeping on roadsides, and carrying all their belongings. UNHCR aims to implement reintegration projects to ensure the return of refugees is durable, but the DRC needs more investment and support to improve public infrastructure like schools, health centres, and social services.

The UN has supported projects that empower refugees in Angola, nurturing self-reliance and dignity

The UN has supported Angola since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The UN has deployed peacekeeping missions to Angola during the Angolan Civil War, the longest war in modern African history. The UN's involvement in Angola has included overseeing and maintaining the multilateral ceasefire of 1990 and the subsequent Bicesse Accords in 1991, which established a democratic electoral system for the country.

In addition to peacekeeping efforts, the UN has also supported projects that empower refugees in Angola, fostering self-reliance and dignity. One such project is an initiative led by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in the northeastern Lunda Norte province. This project aims to cultivate rice, maize, and vegetables, providing sustenance for refugees and their families. More than 160 refugees work in the fields through this initiative, with another 110 expected to join soon. The project also promotes the sale of produce to other refugees and host communities, encouraging commercial agriculture and social cohesion.

The project is led by Maman Antho, a former government worker in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who has become a symbol of female empowerment. Maman Antho's journey from receiving food assistance to leading agricultural self-reliance embodies refugee empowerment and highlights the important role women can play in their communities. "We have a duty to cultivate the land. So, our kids can see their parents work to live. We like taking kids here to show that our staple food comes from our work," said Maman Antho.

The impact of this project extends beyond food production, fostering a sense of community and purpose among the refugees. It represents a shift from reliance on international aid towards self-sufficiency and autonomy. For refugee Jean Bafolo, a father of three, the project enables him to provide for his family with dignity and resilience. "I can proudly tell my children that this food comes from my work, from what I do with my hands," he said.

The UN's projects in Angola demonstrate their commitment to empowering refugees, promoting self-reliance, and fostering dignity and resilience among displaced communities. These initiatives aim to build a brighter future for refugees and their host communities, ensuring that future generations can flourish and thrive.

The UN has issued awards for its peacekeeping missions in Angola

The United Nations has played an active role in Angola, with a particular focus on peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development. One of the most notable contributions was the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II), which was the second of four peacekeeping missions deployed during the Angolan Civil War. The mission, which lasted from May 1991 to February 1995, was established to oversee and maintain the multilateral ceasefire of 1990 and the subsequent Bicesse Accords in 1991, which created a democratic electoral system for the country. The UN Security Council resolutions altered the mandate of UNAVEM II to include electoral monitoring duties, with 400 UN electoral observers deployed during the country's elections. The mission consisted of military observers, civilian police, electoral observers, paramedics, and both local and international staff from 25 countries.

The UN issued awards for the UNAVEM II mission, recognising the contributions and sacrifices made by the personnel involved. The United Nations Medal (UNAVEM II - Angola) was awarded to those who served during this challenging period.

Another key area of UN involvement in Angola is the promotion of human rights and the protection of vulnerable communities. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has a Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) that covers Angola. This office provides technical assistance and support to Angola in upholding human rights and protecting civic space. The UN has also been active in addressing specific human rights concerns, such as gender-based violence and discrimination. For instance, the UN has welcomed Angola's repeal of its anti-gay law and ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Additionally, the UN has empowered refugees in Angola through initiatives like the collaborative project between the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP). This project focuses on cultivating crops and promoting self-reliance and dignity among refugee communities. The UN has also facilitated the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Angola to their homeland, such as those returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after improvements in security.

Furthermore, the UN has supported Angola's commitment to the empowerment of women and gender equality. The Angolan Executive Branch has adopted policies that align with international commitments, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Beijing Declaration, to address gender issues and advance women's rights. The Head of State has also mandated a review of plans and policies to increase the representation of women at all levels to at least 40%.

Frequently asked questions