Respect for human rights: “Much remains to be done for Madagascar” according to the United Nations system

Human Rights Day, which this year celebrates the 75th^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a poignant reminder of the colossal work that remains to be accomplished to establish a society that is respectful, equitable and protective of each individual.

75 years after its proclamation, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains an ideal to achieve, a vision to realize. Despite the commitments of the government, the United Nations system, and civil society, full respect for human rights remains a distant goal in Madagascar. This is, in short, the assessment of the United Nations System regarding the human rights situation in the country.

Gaps. The immensity of the work to be undertaken was on everyone’s lips yesterday during the celebration of this anniversary as part of Human Rights Day at the Olympia Andohatapenaka canal. Access to justice, the cornerstone of any system that respects human rights, remains an objective of the government. Yet it is often hampered by institutional gaps and questionable practices. The need to build equitable and accessible justice thus presents itself as an essential priority.

Complimentary speech. Human dignity, a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration, is also often the subject of debate in the arena. A subject that irritated the general secretary of the teacher-researcher union yesterday in Andohatapenaka. She left the room during the complacent speech of the president of the national human rights commission, because this trade unionist is convinced that this dignity is often achieved in the cases of her fellow teachers at the University. In any case, across the island, precarious living conditions, the absence of adequate health infrastructure and the persistence of poverty expose entire segments of the population to flagrant violations of their fundamental rights. Indeed, the eradication of these degrading conditions requires concerted and lasting initiatives, say human rights defenders.

International commitments. The protection of human rights cannot be achieved without the active participation of civil society. Which justified the presence of the unions yesterday in Andohatapenaka. Human rights defenders, such as trade unions, also play a crucial role in exposing violations, advocating for reforms and ensuring that international commitments are respected. However, the latter complain of the persecution to which they are subject. “ Encouraging and supporting these actors is essential to building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and protected. », plead the unions.

Rija R.

The article Respect for Human Rights: “Much remains to be done for Madagascar” according to the United Nations system appeared first on Midi Madagasikara.