The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has criticized Ghana’s recent decision to abstain from voting on the renewal of the UN mandate for the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI).
The vote took place during the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59) in Geneva, and CDM has labeled this move a “dangerous dereliction of duty” as well as a “moral, cultural, and constitutional betrayal.”
In a statement released on July 15, CDM articulated its disappointment, emphasizing that Ghana’s choice to remain silent during such a crucial moment indicated a lack of “clarity and conviction” on the global stage. While the government positioned this abstention as an exercise in neutrality, the organization insisted it was nothing more than “a calculated evasion of leadership.”
“This is not about protecting people from violence – a principle that no Ghanaian disputes,” the CDM statement clarified. “It is about extending a mandate that consistently promotes the legalization of same-sex marriage, self-determined gender identity, and the criminalization of cultural definitions of family and sexuality.”
The group expressed concern that Ghana missed a vital opportunity to align with fellow African nations that voted against the mandate, marking a divergence from its historical stance on cultural integrity and family values. “It is a moment of shame for a country that once proudly declared its commitment to these principles,” they added, underscoring the weight of the choice made on the international front.
As the debate continues around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, CDM’s statement calls for reflection on Ghana’s position and the implications of its abstention in the evolving landscape of human rights advocacy.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
