Civil Society commended for its role in human rights promotion
Today marks 75 years and 75 means a lot for civil society since it has played a big part in contributing to the 75 years journey in human rights promotion.
The remarks were made by Dr Tom Mulisa, Executive Director of Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD), during the 75th anniversary of The International Human Rights Day that was celebrated on 9 December at Mayange Sector, Bugesera District.
The International Human Rights Day is a significant global celebration that takes place every year on 10th December, commemorating the historic day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.’
“75 years is a landmark. The declaration we are talking about today is a declaration that has given us the eight core instruments Rwanda has signed and adopted and has implemented. But I am going to say that civil society has played its part in promoting and protecting human rights. Today we celebrate the 75 years, we celebrate the achievements, but again, we also celebrate that there is little more to do in terms of human rights,” Dr Mulisa said.
In his address, Theophile Mbonera, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice said that celebrating this day is a way of appreciating the country for the commitment ‘to build basing on the law.’
“This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the International Human Rights Day because it is an act of great significance in regards to human rights. If we consider this theme on national level, we see that it reflects so much on the value for humanity, something that has to be respected by all,” he said.
‘A celebration of Rwanda’s journey’
Rwanda has made significant advancements in its commitment to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights across various aspects of citizens’ lives. The nation has undertaken significant efforts to ensure that human rights are not merely acknowledged on paper but are genuinely embraced and upheld in practice.
Ozonnia Ojielo, One UN Resident Coordinator said: “When I look at the theme of this year’s celebration of International Human Rights Day- Freedom, Equality and Justice for All, this is the journey that Rwanda has walked since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. While this may be the theme for this year, I may argue that this has been the theme for Rwanda for the last 29 years and counting.
“And so that we gather here today to celebrate the International Human Rights Day, it’s actually a celebration of the journey that Rwanda has walked, recognising that the journey to dignity, the journey to freedom, the journey to justice, cannot be achieved overnight. It is an aspiration; it is also a way of being,” Ojielo said.
“As we all are here, we know we have equal value yet we also have freedom. We are in a country that respects and is guided by the law, a country that respects human rights, a country that gives us freedom. Among our roles as NCHR, there is one that focuses on promoting human rights and fighting against any form of violence. We thank all partners in this journey.”
Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera District, stated that this day is a reminder of how humanity has equal rights especially in value, freedom and justice.
“Today, in this moment, we continue to appreciate the President of the Republic of Rwanda for where we have reached in the promotion of human rights. We thank the National Commission for Human Rights and all partners in the promotion and respect of human rights,” he said.
The mayor appreciated organisers for having selected Bugesera as the place for celebrating this important day for Rwandans.
“We are happy that this day, on the national level, was celebrated in Bugesera district. It’s our pride, we appreciate you a lot. Bugesera district is a place of diversity. It is a district filled with so many things and it is fast growing with so much hope. “Therefore, in this hope of development and welfare, we have to ensure that human rights are respected. That’s why we celebrate this day for the 75th time, where we put much emphasis on value, freedom and justice for all,” he added.
