12 December 2016 | State House.
Message for Human Rights Day by President Danny Faure
“Stand Up For Someone’s Rights Today”
10 December 2016
Today, Seychelles joins the international community in commemorating ‘Human Rights Day’, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 68 years ago. This landmark declaration called upon the global community to safeguard and promote the rights of all persons. This year’s theme is ‘Stand Up For Someone’s Rights Today’.
Seychelles has always been of the view that human life is sacrosanct as is its preservation. On this day in particular, we need to make a concentrated effort to rediscover our collective goodness so that all mankind can live in peace and dignity.
More than ever, the values put forward in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are in desperate need of being upheld and defende, not only by governments and communities, but by each and every one of us.
In November, we moved to become a party to the ‘International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances’, and in doing so we affirmed our determination that the dignity and rights of all persons must be respected and protected to the highest standards. And only last week, two draft bills were announced, one on the establishment of a new Seychelles Human Rights Commission and the other on the Right to Information, demonstrating our commitment to putting in place the necessary policies and frameworks to allow the effective exercise of human rights. Strengthening our national human rights institutions are essential to the effective promotion and protection of human rights.
Let us all take a moment today to reflect upon the significance of our inalienable human rights, the very values that are embedded in the spirit of our country. Ask yourself, what can you do today in your home, your school, your workplace, your community, to ensure that your fellow person’s rights are being fully respected?
It starts with you. No action is too small.
Stand up for someone’s rights today.
