DAR ES SALAAM: THE Regional Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to the East Africa and the African Union (AU), Mr Marcel Akpovo has stressed the need for a permanent dialogue on promotion of human rights, including right to life in Africa.
He highlighted other human rights, including the right to be free from torture, right to religion and right to education.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Human Right Day commemoration in Dar es Salaam recently, Mr Akpovo said there is still lack of adequate awareness on human rights across Africa and hence daily dialogue and capacity building sessions are important to address the challenge.
“Dialogue needs to be permanent, a dialogue on the enforcement of tools for implementing government commitments must be continuous and sustainable…it is through dialogue that governments can fulfill their obligations to their people. This dialogue should not only come from the UN but should involve all people.”
In December this year, world nations mark the 76th year since the Universal Declaration of Human Right was adopted in 1948 by the UN General Assembly to stand as the blueprint for promoting dignity and humanity globally.
In that regard, Mr Akpovo reminded governments in the continent, including Tanzania as they observe the Human Right Day to revitalise their commitments in implementing the Universal Declaration of Human rights by ensuring that all people are aware of their rights, protect and respect them.
He said the OHCHR will continue supporting countries through among others technical expertise assistance in fulfilling their noble obligations of upholding human rights.
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Tanzania Representative from the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, Ms Lilian Chambulikazi said the government through the commission has continued to create human rights awareness to all people, including students in primary and secondary schools as well as universities.
She underscored the significance of providing all Tanzanian adults and children with knowledge of protecting their human rights in efforts to boosting sustainable development.
The Human Right Day ceremony which was held at the UN Tanzania Headquarter Office in Dar es Salaam brought together about 100 students from universities, primary and secondary schools to familiarise them with various national, regional and global human rights’ protection instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Dec
