Around 40% of the population experienced high levels of food insecurity. Access to contraception and sex education was inadequate and there was significant public support for the decriminalization of abortion in some circumstances. A court ruled to decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual conduct. Gender-based violence was widespread. Indigenous Peoples sought to negotiate the return of their land.
Background
According to a July Afrobarometer survey, almost two-thirds of Namibians believed corruption had increased.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected Namibia’s first woman president in November general elections. Opposition parties claimed there were electoral flaws.
In December heavy rains caused severe flooding and the displacement of people in some areas.
Right to food
In May, the government declared a state of emergency following the worst drought in 100 years, exacerbated by the impacts of El Niño. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported that around 40% of the population experienced high levels of food insecurity between July and September. Malnutrition levels were concerning; among the under-fives, 17% experienced stunted growth and 48% were anaemic.
Sexual and reproductive rights
According to a June Afrobarometer report, while most Namibians strongly supported better access to contraceptives and comprehensive sex education, opinions remained divided on abortion. Seventy-two per cent supported termination if the mother’s life or health was at risk and 60% in cases of rape or incest – circumstances under which existing legislation allows the practice if certified by medical practitioners – and 47% believed it is always/sometimes justified under any circumstances.
LGBTI people’s rights
In June the Namibian High Court ruled that legislation outlawing consensual same-sex sexual conduct was unconstitutional and discriminatory.1 In July, the government appealed the decision.
Gender-based violence
High rates of gender-based violence continued. The Namibian Police Force reported 4,815 cases between April 2023 and January 2024. In one high-profile case, a woman was fatally stabbed multiple times by her former partner in April.
A September UN Population Fund report noted that entrenched gender inequality and harmful socio-cultural norms disempowered women and girls, leaving them more vulnerable to gender-based violence.
Indigenous Peoples’ rights
In March the OvaHerero and Nama Indigenous Peoples – descendants of victims of the genocide under Germany’s colonial rule – demanded renewed talks with the German government for reparations and the return of ancestral land. In a 2021 joint declaration between the German and Namibian governments, Germany had apologized for the genocide and committed to funding EUR 1.1 billion in development projects. Affected communities said that the negotiations between Namibia and Germany towards an agreed resolution excluded the meaningful participation of their representatives and the declaration failed to provide adequate reparation measures, including land restitution. In November, both countries reached the final stage of negotiations, and agreed the reparations fund. Pending sign-off of the agreement, the discussions continued but their completion was threatened by the collapse of the German coalition government in November.
Right to a healthy environment
In March the government secured a USD 10 billion investment from Hyphen Hydrogen Energy to develop so-called “green hydrogen” backed by Germany. While the end market for the hydrogen was unconfirmed, concerns were raised about its unproven status as a technology and the potential diversion of renewable energy from a country where many lack access to sustainable electricity.
