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Momodou
Denmark
11513 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Oct 2013 : 21:37:54
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Respect for human right is vital
The Point Editorial: Published on Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Preoccupied with everyday concerns and worries, of which the people of this continent have had more than their fair share, one would forgive the common man for not paying too much attention to human rights abuses.
Yet the fact remains that human rights, by definition, are every human being’s concern in every nation.
If we go by reports, Africa is one region where the sacrifice of human rights for political expediency is the norm.
For some individuals, respect for human rights simply means the guaranteed opportunity to enjoy inalienable rights, such as the right to live a dignified life, free from fear; a life which affords him or her the freedom to pursue personal development to the extent to which he or she is capable of doing.
Human rights, therefore, encompass not only the right to personal safety and security, but also giving due regard to health, education, gender equality, child rights, and so on.
Everyday concerns, such as issues of access to safe drinking water, basic health care, clean air free from pollution, access to means of transport and communication, all have much to do with human rights.
Indeed, many a problem that Africans are facing today on all fronts underscore the need for the general public to expand their perception of what constitutes their rights, and exert themselves more fully in obtaining respect for these rights.
One can argue that for human rights to become truly embedded in a country’s society and culture, the change has to start with checks on government power.
In fact, the first test of a country’s human rights record is to be gauged from the government’s treatment of its own people.
African governments should take respect for basic human rights as their starting point.
The pursuit of human rights in Africa as a core value should be nurtured.
It is the case that some countries in the region have taken the lead in the formation of effective independent national human rights bodies. We suggest that all African states do the same.
Actually, concerning human rights, it is incumbent on civil society organisations operating in Africa, especially the human rights associations, press unions or associations and the bar associations to draw attention to areas where improvement is most needed.
“The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.”
Thomas Jefferson
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2013 : 22:02:55
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1. RELATED POINT NEWS 54th Ordinary Session of African Commission to kick start today
2. ALSO FOROYAA EDITORIAL RELATED TO HUMAN RIGHTS & GOOD GOVERNANCE;
HOW MANY GAMBIANS ARE IN EXILE? HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE IN EXILE?
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Monday, October 21, 2013
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
A government is an instrument. How that instrument is utilised could be a source of protection or a source of coercion. The reason why modern society holds that government should be derived from the consent of the people is due to the assumption that the people will not elect a government that would subject them to coercion and even if they do, they would be able to remove it from office and elect such other government that would be able to protect them.
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Edited by - kobo on 22 Oct 2013 22:04:11 |
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