Topic:
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Ricardo Pastor
Mozambique recognizes the right to organize religious groups, allowing them to worship freely and operate schools. However, the country faces significant challenges, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province, where residents identified as Muslim continue to face risks due to attacks by ISIS-Mozambique. These attacks threaten the safety and freedom of individuals and pose a direct challenge to the right to organize and associate. Additionally, the government’s response to the ongoing violence has been criticized for exacerbating existing grievances among historically marginalized majority-Muslim populations, further hindering efforts to protect the right to organize.
To address these challenges, Mozambique must take decisive actions to safeguard the right to organize for all its citizens, including those in vulnerable regions like Cabo Delgado Province. This can be achieved through implementing comprehensive security measures to protect individuals’ freedom of association and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, can exercise their rights without fear of reprisal. Moreover, fostering dialogue and cooperation between the government, employers, and employees is crucial in creating an environment where the right to organize is respected and upheld. By addressing the root causes of social unrest and promoting inclusivity and tolerance, Mozambique can work towards building a society where the right to organize is valued and protected for all its citizens.
Works Cited
“EU – Mozambique Political Dialogue: Commitment to a partnership beyond cooperation.” EEAS, 20 June 2022.
“Five Keys to Tackling the Crisis in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado.” United States Institute of Peace, 23 June 2022.
“Insurgency in Cabo Delgado.” Wikipedia3.
“Mozambique conflict: What’s behind the unrest?” BBC, 29 March 2021.
“Mozambique: France issues travel advice on Cabo Delgado – Lusa.” Club of Mozambique, 15 Feb 2024.
“Mozambique: Humanitarian Response – Cabo Delgado Province Overview (Jan – Dec 2023).” UN OCHA, 1 Feb 2024.
“Mozambique: Clergy forced to flee, churches burnt as violence intensifies.” Independent Catholic News, 14 Feb 2024.
“MOZAMBIQUE 2020 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT.” U.S. Department of State, 2021.
“New U.S. Plan to Address Conflict Could Boost Mozambique’s Gains.” United States Institute of Peace, 2024.
