HOW TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS:
Dave Ikiedei Asei
28/02/2023
Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that every human being is entitled to, simply by virtue of being a human being. They are the basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity, equality, and freedom. Human rights protect individuals and groups from discrimination, oppression, and abuse by the state or other actors.
Some of the most basic human rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; the right to freedom of expression; the right to education; and the right to work and receive fair wages. Human rights are recognized and protected by international law, national constitutions, and other legal and ethical standards
Protecting and promoting human rights is essential for creating a just and equitable society. Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of their nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status.
The protection and promotion of human rights are crucial for ensuring that individuals and communities can live in dignity and security, without discrimination, oppression, or abuse.
There are many ways to protect and promote human rights, both at the individual and collective level.
SOME WAYS TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
The first step to protecting your rights is to know what they are. Familiarize yourself with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties and instruments.
ADVOCATES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS:
Speak out against human rights violations and advocate for the rights of those who are marginalized and oppressed. Join organizations that work to promote and protect human rights.
HOLD GOVERNMENTS ACCOUNTABLE:
Governments have a responsibility to protect and promote human rights. Hold your government accountable for its actions by engaging in peaceful protests, signing petitions, and contacting your elected representatives.
SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS:
Human rights defenders are individuals or groups who work to protect and promote human rights. They often face threats and harassment from those who oppose their work. Show your support for human rights defenders by advocating for their protection and speaking out against any threats they face.
EDUCATE OTHERS:
Education is a powerful tool for promoting human rights. Educate yourself and others about human rights, their importance, and how they can be protected and promoted.
SUPPORT MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES:
Many communities around the world face discrimination and oppression. Support these communities by standing in solidarity with them, listening to their voices, and advocating for their rights.
BE A RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER:
Consider the human rights impact of your purchases. Support companies that have ethical business practices and avoid products that are associated with human rights violations.
SEEK LEGAL REDRESS:
If your rights have been violated, seek legal assistance from a lawyer or legal organization that specializes in human rights.
In conclusion, protecting and promoting human rights is essential for building a just and equitable society. It requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to ensure that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN RIGHTS BREACHES:
The breach of human rights can have severe consequences, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Some of the results of the breach of human rights are:
LOSS OF LIVES AND PHYSICAL HARM:
Human rights abuses can result in the loss of life or physical harm to individuals. This can include extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of violence.
PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM:
Human rights abuses can also result in psychological harm, such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.
DISCRIMINATION AND MARGINALIZATION:
The violation of human rights can lead to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups, based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. This can result in unequal access to education, healthcare, employment, and other opportunities.
POVERTY AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITY:
The violation of economic, social, and cultural rights can lead to poverty and economic inequality. This can include unequal access to education, healthcare, and other basic services, as well as exploitation and abuse in the workplace.
POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND CONFLICT:
Human rights abuses can also lead to political instability and conflict, as individuals and groups may become more likely to engage in violent or disruptive behavior in response to oppression.
LOSS OF TRUST :
The breach of human rights can erode trust in government and institutions, as individuals may become disillusioned with the ability of these institutions to protect their rights and interests.
Finally, the breach of human rights can have far-reaching and damaging consequences for individuals and society. It is essential to protect and promote human rights to ensure that all individuals can live in dignity and security.
In Nigeria, human rights abuse is happening as the 2023 presidential results are in contention due to alleged manipulation by the officials and some political actors especially from the ruling party (APC) which is a form of human rights abuse. I pray that the right thing is done in order to avert massive protests by the aggrieved parties and the electorates which may lead to destruction of lives and properties in the country.
It appears the INEC Chairman Chairman is bent on subverting the will of the people as he has refused to suspend the collation process even when there is alleged non transmissions of the BVAS as the means which results should be transmitted from all the polling units in the federation. There is allegations here and there that the electoral umpire deliberately switched off the server THST the electronics transfer of the results were supposed to be made, this is pure subversion of the will of the people and an open invitation to anarchy.
Well-meaning personalities have warned against such toying with the will of the electorates but I see the Chairman of the Independent Election omission, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu made up his mind to lead Nigeria to a state of chaos. I pray he repents and does the right thing in order to put a Holt to the destruction that may occur in the event that he goes ahead to pronounce the person that the electorates did not give their mandates.
Good luck to Nigeria to allow the will of the electorates prevail.
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