The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) on Friday December 10, joined hands with other institutions to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Under this year’s theme “Reducing inequalities, advancing Human Rights” the event was held at Serena Kigali Hotel. The declaration was adopted and proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 217 A (III) on December, 10, 1948, after World War II that had claimed the lives of more than 60 million people and caused other huge damages. Addressing the guests, the Chairperson of NCHR Marie Claire Mukasine commended the government and all institutions in supporting and protecting human rights in the country. “The Commission commends the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to promote and protect human rights in the country which is reflected by the ratification of international instruments and putting in place a robust domestic legal and institutional framework to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights,” she said Mukasine added that this commemoration serves to remind the global community of the values of these rights, which she said are to be respected, protected, and promoted. “The commemoration of this Human Rights Day is focusing on how rights are the beginning of peace within societies, and a way to create a fairer society for future generations,” she said. She added that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights and under international human rights laws. The UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda Fodé Ndiaye reminded participants that the Human Rights Declaration should not be treated as an old book aged 73 years that should be kept away in the shelves. “Human Rights Declaration is not an old book aged 73 years now that we put on the shelves and celebrate every 10 December, but it should be our day-to-day and every single second consciousness that pushes us to act for the rights of everyone everywhere” he noted Adding that human rights have definitely a human face and human rights are basic rights and freedoms that protect everyone. Dr. Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza the chairperson of Rwanda Civil Society Platform said that their work focused on promoting peace and security and advancing the right to development, including Sustainable Development Goals. Adding that they are ready to partner in nurturing new generations of environmentally aware and active citizens, through education and active young people’s participation in democratic participation. Nkurunziza also calls on joint efforts in transforming the world for human equality, human dignity, and human rights for one and all. Different activities carried out during Human right week According to NCHR during human rights week launched on November 30, various activities have been carried out including workshops for members of the broad Provincial Security Committee and members of the districts’ anti-corruption Committee on building their actions on Human Rights Principles and fight against corruption. They also trained representatives of Youth Volunteers in Kigali City and Messages were centered on the global theme of the 73rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In addition, they conducted sensitization campaigns on the Universal Declaration for Human Rights to the general public through the different media platforms. During these campaigns, messages were themed on human rights in general, the prevention of genocide ideology, the rights of persons with disabilities, and persons living with HIV in particular among others. Recommendations According to Mukasine, some areas need more efforts such as increasing the number of nurses and midwives at health centres with special consideration on night shifts. Improving sensitisation campaigns on antenatal care services at the community level and building the capacity of ECD caregivers. The Commission also recommends intensifying measures aimed at eradicating stereotypes and barriers that hinder women’s engagement in some economic activities that are perceived mens territory and sensitisation aimed at legalising illegal cohabitation and promoting formal unions. As far as the rights of persons living with HIV is concerned, it was observed tremendous efforts towards free-of-charge high-quality health care services on the prevention of HIV and treatment of HIV/AIDS among others.
