Delegates call for increased promotion of human rights

Delegates who attended the Commonwealth Human Rights Forum (CHRF) urged their governments to ensure that treaties and conventions which they ratify promote and uphold human rights.

Over 150 representatives from human rights non-governmental organisations and national human rights institutions across the Commonwealth participated in the CHRF, which was opened by Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, on 19 November 2007 in Kampala, Uganda.

A 2007 report by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) -- Stamping out Rights: The impact of anti-terrorism laws on policing -- was launched at the Forum.

The report indicates that many Commonwealth member countries are yet to ratify the United Nations core treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Others, who have ratified them, are yet to put in place policies to implement them.

“It is quite easy to sign instruments, but how many are willing to invest in education, and sensitisation? We need to do a lot more than we are doing,” Ms Kadaga observed.

Yash Ghai, head of the Constitution Advisory Support Unit of the United Nations Development Programme in Nepal, pointed out that the diversity of cultures in different Commonwealth countries must also be taken into account to determine the most appropriate means of human rights implementation. Highlighting the plight of women and children who are vulnerable to human rights abuse, Mr Ghai urged the CHRF to formulate strong resolutions that would protect their rights.

Delegates also called for recognition of workers rights in the Commonwealth, urging member countries to establish a minimum wage to prevent workers from being exploited; work towards the abolition of the death penalty; and to reduce electoral violence.

Livingstone Sewanyana, a delegate from Uganda, said the CHRF must transform itself from a talking-shop into a forum that “actually makes strong recommendations that countries should translate into real action.”

“We must tell them that we are tired of arbitrary action. We are tired of civil society being restricted in terms of legislation. We must challenge the authorities and tell them, we are tired. These resolutions must translate into action,” said Mr Sewanyana, who is also the Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative in Uganda.

The Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Florence Mugasha, closed the Commonwealth Human Rights Forum at the Hotel Africana on 21 November.

Speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Don McKinnon, Mrs Mugasha emphasised the Commonwealth’s commitment and mandate to support and promote human rights within its 53 member states.

Key Links:

• Human Rights
• Country Profile: Uganda