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Commitment Needed To Promote Human Rights In Africa

9 September 2004

 Justice Amos Wako
"many human rights defenders find their own rights flagrantly violated by governments." Mr Amos Wako
Governments must be committed to human rights and ensure that they are enjoyed by their citizens, said the Attorney-General of Kenya. Mr Amos Wako was speaking on 7 September 2004 at the opening of a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, for human rights defenders from 18 Commonwealth countries in Africa. The event, running from 7 to 10 September, is organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat's Human Rights Unit (HRU) in collaboration with the Kenya National Human Rights Commission.

Mr Wako emphasised the importance of having structures and institutions in place to promote and protect human rights and provide an effective remedy when these rights are violated. He said a willingness to stand up in defence of these rights is crucial, as demonstrated in the work of human rights defenders.

"It is because of their critical role in promoting human rights awareness and attacking human rights violations, many human rights defenders find their own rights flagrantly violated by governments. Attacks on human rights defenders frequently include intimidation and harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, disappearances, torture and other physical violence," said Mr Wako. 

The workshop aims to promote the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Such defenders include individuals, civil society groups, national human rights institutions and governments. They carry out their task by respecting, protecting and promoting internationally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international obligations. 

The role of the recently appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is also on the agenda. Delegates will look at ways in which this mechanism can be used by defenders at risk. The workshop will also broaden participants' understanding of the role of human rights in development and the necessity of collaboration between civil society and the state in protecting, respecting and fulfilling human rights. Similar workshops have already taken place in Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. 

Hanif Vally, Head of the HRU, said: "Respect for all human rights, including socio-economic rights, is a necessary component of development. A rights-based approach to development will ensure that respect for human rights will form the cornerstone of all development work."  

The workshop will come up with recommendations on how all sectors of society can assist Commonwealth countries in protecting and promoting human rights and the rule of law in line with internationally accepted human rights standards and Commonwealth values.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 200 8 September 2004

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