By Gifty Amofa
Accra, Dec. 12, GNA – The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa, has joined global observances for International Human Rights Day, urging Africans to prioritize human rights immediately.
In a statement issued for the 2024 theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, CHRI emphasized the urgency of addressing human rights challenges without delay.
The organisation highlighted the need for immediate attention and collective action to tackle human rights issues, particularly in Africa, which continues to face significant challenges.
The statement referenced UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ warning that “human rights are under assault,” noting that millions of people worldwide remain trapped in poverty, hunger, and inadequate health and education systems that have yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The theme is very relevant for Ghana especially amidst the rising incidents of illegal mining popularly known as “Galamsey” that has led to increased human rights abuses including the right to a safe and healthy environment,” it said.
CHRI said a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment was integral to the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, and sanitation, adding that “Without a healthy environment, we are unable to fulfil aspirations.”
“Many African nations are grappling with climate-induced displacement, food, insecurity and loss of livelihood…It is a stark reminder that environmental rights and human rights are intricately linked.
“Access to clean water, education, healthcare and a safe environment are human rights that must be safeguarded now to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations,” it said.
The CHRI urged governments to fulfil their human rights obligations by taking effective action to address violations across all areas, including environmental rights, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
It noted that Africa’s future depended on inclusive development, youth empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable environmental practices.
The organization stressed that these efforts were critical for overcoming poverty, unemployment, and climate change, and that immediate action is necessary to ensure no one is left behind.
It also called for the repeal of environmental protection regulations on mining in forest reserves to safeguard the environmental rights of local communities.
Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that every human being is entitled to, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
GNA