Rwanda’s National Commission for Human Rights on Monday will hold a high level multi-stakeholders conference at parliament to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The main objective is to raise awareness on human rights, obligations and revisiting responsibilities of different state actors in the country.
Formally adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, the world has been marking the International Human Rights Day every year to honour the UN General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation of this important instrument.
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) will on Monday be joined by partners, including government institutions and organizations of the Civil Society working in this area.
According to NCHR, this celebration is a culmination of a year-long campaign that started last year to mark the upcoming of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and is an opportunity to reaffirm the universal values and enduring principles enshrined in the declaration, mobilize people around the world and take stock of human rights development today.
“Stand up for Human Rights: role of rights holders and duty bearers in promoting and protecting human rights in Rwanda,” is the theme for this year’s occasion. This is to allow an intense and profound reflection on the continuing and vital importance of each and every one of the 30 articles contained in the document.
The UDHR is the most universal human rights document in existence, delineating the thirty fundamental rights that form the basis for a democratic society. It represents a common statement of the goals and aspirations regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Jean Claude Ndatuwera, the public relations manager at NCHR told Rwanda Dispatch that the one-day conference scheduled on 10/12/2018 is part of the activities to mark the day, others include;
- Multiplication and dissemination of the UDHR document to raise awareness on the basis of human rights principles enshrined in this document;
- Train a selection of journalists on UDHR and on human rights principles and their contribution on to the promotion, the protection and effective realization of human rights;
- Awareness campaign broadcasts and publication of article on the UDHR and international Human Rights Day in local newspapers;
- Conferences in 16 Universities around the Country on the UDHR and its relevance in advancement of Human Rights culture among Rwandans, especially the youth;
- Football match between AS Kigali and Rayon Sport at the conclusion of UDHR commemorative week during which Human Rights promotional messages are to be delivered;
- Joint Outreach program with Civil society during Umuganda