IHRC to Mark United Nations Human Rights Day in Abuja
December 10 2023 marks the 75th Anniversary of one of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Available in more than 500 languages, it enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Branch in Nigeria will mark the UDHR 75th Anniversary at Novare Central Abuja on Friday 8, December 2023, focusing on education and awareness, legal frameworks, institutional capacity building, amongst others, culminating in a high-level event which comprises secondary school students to consolidate global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights.
The Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah in a statement made available by its Head of Media and Strategic Communications Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma, said this year’s theme on ‘Consolidating and Sustaining a Human Rights Culture into the Future’, involves several key considerations, which may include education and awareness, legal frameworks, institutional capacity building, empowering marginalized groups, and international cooperation.
He said promoting human rights education and raising awareness about human rights principles and values is crucial and it can be done through formal education systems, community outreach programs, and media campaigns to ensure that individuals are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
“Enacting and enforcing laws that safeguard civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are essential in establishing and strengthening legal frameworks that protect human rights and ensure access to justice and accountability mechanisms for human rights violations.”, he averred.
Meanwhile, building the capacity of institutions responsible for upholding human rights is vital. This includes training law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and civil society organizations to effectively promote and protect human rights, he maintained.
Furthermore, Dr. Duru affirmed that addressing the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups is crucial for consolidating a human rights culture, adding that collaboration and cooperation at regional and international levels will play a significant role in consolidating and sustaining a human rights culture.
He urged African countries to work together, share best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences while engaging with international human rights mechanisms and organizations that can provide support and guidance in promoting human rights.
Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC in Nigeria
December 6, 2023.
