International Human Rights Day: Officials call for collaboration to promote justice.

December 10, 2023, marked a momentous occasion in Rwanda as the United Nations in Rwanda, government agencies, and Civil society organisations came together to celebrate the International Day of Human Rights. Against the backdrop of a rich cultural tapestry and a history marked by resilience, Rwanda embraced this day as an opportunity to reinforce the principles of dignity, equality, and justice enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and promoting human dignity, equality, and justice. It is an opportunity to highlight ongoing human rights challenges and encourage individuals, governments, and organizations to take action to protect and promote human rights for everyone.

The celebration of International Human Rights Day (IHRD) that took place in Bugesera district in the eastern part of Rwanda attracted UN high-level officials, Government representatives, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Officials highlighted the significance of working together to create a global environment where everyone can enjoy their inherent rights, regardless of factors such as race, gender, religion, or socio-economic status.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo mentioned that International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder that the protection of human rights is a shared responsibility that requires continuous effort and cooperation on a national and global scale.

“Achieving equality between women and men and eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, girls, and persons with disabilities are fundamental human rights and key to realizing sustainable development goals. We can all agree that no country can develop by denying equal opportunities to a certain category of its population” he said.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a commitment to human rights, and human rights principles are embedded across various goals. Specifically, Goal 16 promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, provides access to justice for all, and builds effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

This goal encompasses several targets related to human rights, such as ensuring equal access to justice, promoting the rule of law, reducing violence, combating corruption, and protecting fundamental freedomsThe Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Mbonera Theophile observed that the government of Rwanda always strives to ensure that the rights of the nationals are respected.

“For human rights to be respected, each person is required to participate because rights come with responsibilities; All of us, no one is left behind, must join hands and prevent all acts that violate human rights”. He noted.

He added “Everyone should be in the eye of the other person so that evil can be prevented at an early stage. However, when the violence escalates, the law is invoked so that the victim is rewarded and the victim is given back his rights, so the culture of impunity is completely broken.

Tom Mulisa the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development commended the pivotal role played by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Rwanda which he said are the driving force behind the advocacy, awareness, and monitoring that are essential for safeguarding human rights.