Challenges as world marks 75th human rights declaration anniversary
The managing director of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), Bakari Machumu, speaks during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Dar es Salaam on Friday, December 8. United Nations General Assembly adopted UDHR on December 10, 1948. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA
What you need to know:
- Clerics acknowledged a gap in human rights education within their ranks and called for the need for religious leaders to be educated on human rights issues
Dar es Salaam. As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, activists have found themselves grappling with a sombre atmosphere instead of a celebration.
They say that despite the global celebration of dignity, freedom, and justice for all, the prevailing high levels of human rights violations both locally and globally cast a shadow over the milestone.
In a gathering hosted by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in Dar es Salaam on Friday, December 8, seasoned lawyer Mr Bahame Nyanduga expressed his concerns over the deteriorating situation.
“We are marking the 75th anniversary in a sombre atmosphere. This should not be so. Today should have been a happy day,” he noted. He remarked that in many places in the world, the declaration is seen as a hollow promise. He likened the anniversary celebrations to ‘celebrating a birthday during grief.’
Reflecting on the historical significance of the UDHR, Mr Nyanduga highlighted its inspiration for liberation struggles that challenged colonial powers to acknowledge human rights as opposed to treating their subjects as sub-human.
He lamented the persistence of double standards, where occupation continues and the right to self-determination remains elusive, as exemplified by the Israel-Gaza situation.
Despite the ratification of the declaration by many countries, including Tanzania, and its inclusion in their constitutions, experts said implementation has deviated in most cases.
Civicus Monitor, an organisation monitoring civil and political rights, reported highly restricted civic space in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting 45 out of 50 countries in the region. Incidents such as attacks on journalists, intimidation, forceful dispersal of protests, use of excessive force, and assassinations persist, hindering civic rights and freedoms.
Independent lawyer Moses Saguti acknowledged that Tanzania, like other nations, faces challenges in protecting human rights. He cautioned against complacency. “With the current situation in the world, it is difficult to predict what the next 75 years will be like. Despite this declaration, the situation is getting worse around the world and even in Tanzania. This is not something to celebrate at all. Let's use this celebration to reflect," he noted.
The situation in Gaza drew particular attention during the commemoration, with activists highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people, who, even after 75 years, lack a place to call home. The activists expressed disappointment, especially in the face of the United Nations' call for a ceasefire.
Calls for change to Tanzania’s civil rights law, formulated in 2018, were also raised by activists who sought greater freedom in carrying out their duties to help the government protect human rights.
Former executive director of LHRC, Ms Kijo Bisimba, underscored the challenges faced, stating; “The big challenge is that if civil society organisations want to do anything, they must provide information... There is a lot of bureaucracy."
In a similar event hosted by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) on the same day, religious leaders acknowledged a gap in human rights education within their ranks with TEC Secretary General, Dr Charles Kitima, emphasizing the need for religious leaders to be educated on human rights issues.
"Human rights education is needed for all our religious leaders to make believers understand that, along with spiritual issues, their leaders care about them. We have to stand now as we embark on another 75 years; thus, we need to keep doing what we are called to do," he stated.
Chairman of the Interfaith Standing Committee on Economic Justice and Integrity of Creation, Bishop Nelson Kisare, urged the improvement of the implementation of laws related to human rights. He emphasised the importance of not using laws to suppress human rights and called for a country where the law is applied justly.
“As we reflect on the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, the prevailing challenges underscore the urgency for renewed commitment and actions to ensure that the principles enshrined in the declaration become a tangible reality for all citizens in the years to come,” said Mr Saguti.
