COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY AND OBSERVANCE OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE “Human Rights, Responsibilities and Accountability: Holding Duty Bearers Answerable” On 10th December, Malawi joins the international community in commemorating the International Human Rights Day. This day was set aside by the United Nations following the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The Declaration established that respect for human rights and human modesty “is the pillar of freedom, peace and justice in the world.” The United Nations’ Theme for this year’s International Human Rights Day commemoration is “Human Rights 365” encompassing the idea that every day is Human Rights Day. It celebrates the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights. The Theme is sufficiently broad as to allow for its use by member states as a general call while at the same time allowing each country to focus on local priorities and challenges. Malawi will commemorate the International Human Rights Day this year under the Theme, “Human Rights, Responsibilities and Accountability: Holding Duty Bearers Answerable”. The main event for the commemoration will be a National Conference on the issue of Human Rights and Accountability which will draw the participation of policy makers, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and other duty bearers The choice of the local theme has been informed by the recognition of the fact that: 50 years following Malawi’s attainment of independence; 20 years following the adoption of the Republic of Malawi Constitution with a comprehensive chapter on human rights; and as Malawi and the global community are charting a way forward with respect to the post-2015 development agenda, Malawi needs a conversation on the various challenges that have continued to stand in the way of the effective realization of human rights, and on the need to strengthen the system and machinery through which various duty bearers are held accountable for non-fulfillment of human rights obligations. The theme underscores a call on all duty bearers at the levels of the individual, the family, the community, the state and the international community to interrogate the critical question of accountability for human rights. It is a call to action on the obligation of those in authority to take responsibility for their actions, to answer for them by explaining and justifying them to those affected, and to be subject to some form of enforceable sanction if their conduct or explanation for it is found wanting. The question of accountability is being addressed from a three-fold approach: first, to highlight the urgent need to prevent and combat the various forms of human rights violations by duty bearers; second, to underscore the obligations of duty bearers at the levels of the individual, the family, the community, the state and the international community with respect to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights; and third, utilizing a campaign model, the process will promote a more frequent and incisive utilization of the potentials that exist within the national and international human rights system and mechanisms for holding duty bearers accountable for human rights and ending impunity. The Commemoration of the International Human Rights Day will be preceded by the implementation of a number of activities in observance of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The period 25 November to 10 December each year is recognized as 16 Days of Activism worldwide in condemnation of any form of violence, especially against women and children. This is an ongoing strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children. In this way, we demonstrate our commitment of building a compassionate, caring and just society as espoused by the values of the Republic of Malawi Constitution. Stakeholders and every person in Malawi are invited to join in the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day and the observance of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. For further information please contact Mrs. Grace T. Malera, Executive Secretary of MHRC on 01750 900/946 Please visit us on Facebook: Malawi Human Rights Commission or our website hrcmalawi.org
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:48:18 +0000
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