Activists, students and officials from Amnesty International Nigeria and other Human Rights Advocacy organizations came together on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 to commemorate the Human Rights Day at Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Human Rights Day commemorates the 10th December 1948 adoption by the UN General Assembly of the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims the inalienable rights of all people around the world.
It is an annual reminder that everyone is entitled to all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, social origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status.
The event which was well attended, featured speeches, panel discussions, art exhibitions and artistic performances with engrossing thematic deepness that laid bare covert and overt actions and inactions that constitute Human Rights violations while proffering diagnostic measures to be taken at different levels to curb the scourge of oppression, suppression, brutality, and tortures, among other acts of Human Rights violation.
The event further stressed the idealism of youth embracing non-violent/respectful activism and empowering themselves to stand up for equal rights and fair treatment of everyone everywhere as well as the need to ensure that youth have the right to participate in decision-making and have their voices heard.
The power of the Social Media as a vehicle for the promotion and protection of Human Rights and social justice advocacy was extensively deliberated in relation to the proposed Anti-Social and Hate Speech bills introduced by the Nigerian Senate.
Some of the take home lessons include: the term ‘Human Rights’ is to enshrine societal justice, fairness, and equity and should not be overlooked or dismissed as a lofty and misplaced notion. Underneath the banner of human rights resides a host of complex, urgent, distinct yet intersected issues impacting individuals and communities everywhere, every minute, of every day. The active engagement of everyone in the fight for the protection of human rights, through speaking up for their rights and fighting all forms of discrimination/inhuman treatments, etc., is central to achieving societies that are inclusive and stable.
