The government is finalizing its national report on human rights, which will be submitted to the United Nations in January 2026 as part of the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The announcement was made on Wednesday (29) in Maputo by the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mateus Saíze, at the closing of the 3rd session of the Sectoral Political Dialogue with the European Union.
The meeting, held in Maputo, included representatives from the government, the European Union delegation, ambassadors of EU Member States accredited to Mozambique, and national entities with competencies in justice, human rights, and civil society.
During the session, both parties assessed the level of implementation of national and international commitments undertaken by Mozambique regarding human rights and international humanitarian law, including recommendations from the last UPR cycle, as well as commitments defined in the previous 2022 dialogue.
Mateus Saíze emphasized that the progress achieved reflects the government’s commitment to consolidating the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights, highlighting that the dialogue with the European Union “has been crucial for jointly defining priorities and strengthening institutional cooperation.”
The joint statement notes that both delegations recognized the importance of ensuring effective and accessible mechanisms of justice and redress for victims, as well as accountability for human rights violations. In this context, the need to ensure full transparency and effective accountability regarding events during the 2024 electoral period was reiterated, including allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders.
When asked about identifying the perpetrators of alleged human rights violations during the 2024 post‑electoral tension, the minister stated that the government does not have direct involvement in this process, as the investigation is under the responsibility of the competent judicial authorities.
The minister stressed that, respecting the principle of separation of powers, “the Executive does not interfere with the work of the Judiciary,” adding that the government “awaits the results of ongoing investigations” and reiterates its commitment to transparency and accountability of any perpetrators.
The European Union reaffirmed its support for promoting good governance, including vulnerable groups, and strengthening social cohesion, in line with the new Samoa Agreement, which frames relations between EU countries and the States of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Both parties agreed that the 4th session of the Sectoral Dialogue on Human Rights will take place in 2027, maintaining the commitment to continuity, openness, and constructive dialogue.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
