Basic rights of citizens must be upheld
18 Nov 2008
This ensures quality life lived in dignity, justice and freedom, says Commonwealth official
Human rights should not only be enshrined in every country’s constitution, but they must be made real in order to safeguard the rights of citizens, said Dr Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
She said making human rights real is fundamental for every person to lead a life of dignity, justice and freedom.
Dr Sen urged governments in the Commonwealth which have yet to sign up to two key international charters – the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights – to do so. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these two Covenants comprise the Bill of Rights which set out the essential elements of the rights to which all are entitled and which all should enjoy.
To date, 38 Commonwealth countries are party to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with 35 being party to the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.
“We encourage governments to begin by accepting international standards and to follow-up by bringing them home to their citizens, regardless of political systems or cultural practices,” said Dr Sen. “Our task is to work with governments in the Commonwealth and other institutions within our member states to help bring about changes that improve the protection of human rights.”
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Source: Commonwealth Secretariat
She said making human rights real is fundamental for every person to lead a life of dignity, justice and freedom.
Dr Sen urged governments in the Commonwealth which have yet to sign up to two key international charters – the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights – to do so. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these two Covenants comprise the Bill of Rights which set out the essential elements of the rights to which all are entitled and which all should enjoy.
To date, 38 Commonwealth countries are party to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with 35 being party to the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.
“We encourage governments to begin by accepting international standards and to follow-up by bringing them home to their citizens, regardless of political systems or cultural practices,” said Dr Sen. “Our task is to work with governments in the Commonwealth and other institutions within our member states to help bring about changes that improve the protection of human rights.”
Read More...
Source: Commonwealth Secretariat
