10 December 2019
Today, Tuesday 10 December 2019, is Human Rights Day – the day (in 1948) the United Nations General Assembly adopted the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’: a document proclaiming the rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. This year’s theme is: ‘Youth Standing Up for Human Rights’.
In St Helena’s Constitution there is a chapter that sets out important Human Rights on St Helena, other Rights are found in our Laws. There are 16 Rights in St Helena’s Constitution.
HE Governor, Dr Philip Rushbrook, commented:
“The Declaration on Human Rights has shaped the lives we live today. These are important for each and every one of us. They seek to protect the vulnerable and ensure we can all participate in society. Today is the time to recognise all who promote and support the rights of others on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha – the St Helena Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the Public Solicitor and his team, Island Councillors in their constituency work, the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate, and the many other people across the public service in all three Islands.”
The role of the EHRC is to empower people to resolve their disputes and to shape law and policy, advocate for change and work closely with a range of partners to create a fairer society, preventing similar problems for others who feel marginalised, excluded and discriminated against.
CEO of the EHRC, Catherine Turner, added:
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. Its principles are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own Rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives to uphold the Rights that protect us. Human Rights are at the heart of the successful development of St Helena; human dignity, mutual respect and equal access to the opportunities development may bring will benefit everyone on the Island.”
For more information about Human Rights on St Helena, contact the EHRC Office in the PWD Yard, The Castle, Jamestown on tel: 22133 or via email: info@humanrightsthelena.org.
#StHelena #UnitedNations #HumanRightsDay #StandUp4HumanRights
SHG
10 December 2019