Visiting UN High Commissioner says human rights critical in solving contemporary challenges.

Turk made the statement Wednesday August 7, during a public presentation he made at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC.

The event in IRIC was under the theme: “Human rights in the face of contemporary global challenges”. It was moderated by the Head of the International Law Department at IRIC, Professor Alain Didier Olinga.

The public presentation was attended by the representative of the Minister of External Relations, the Delegate General for National Security, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, lecturers, students and other dignitaries.

In his presentation, the August guest talked on three areas on how human rights are critical “in solving some of our deepest challenges”.

Turk said peace and security are essential factors in addressing some of these challenges. He said through peace and security, it will be easier to diagnose the problem and provide adequate challenges. 

The UN rights boss also highlighted the need to bring all actors together to build a peaceful process ensuring equality.

The visiting UN High Commissioner also underscored the importance of an appropriate civic space, which he stated, shall guarantee a stable society. 

Turk disclosed that it is an election period around the world with more elections this year. He added that due to this, it is a crucial period for democracy and youth need the space to express themselves and that their voices must be heard in the construction of their future.

With regards to sustainable development, Turk said no one must be left behind. He reminded authorities of the need to address inequalities and discrimination related to sexual orientation, religion and sex. He insisted that sustainable development must involve everyone.

“I think we can and must think around. And we have the tools at our disposal starting with the fundamental principles and values that underpin our international system including and especially human rights. We must reclaim human rights as a problem-solving tool for a more peaceful, sustainable, equal society,” he said.

According to Turk, the fundamental rule of law is increasingly being violated with particularly a major impact on civilians. He admitted that the prospect of achieving the sustainable development goals is slipping away.

Turk regretted that in the “world today, we see polarization and division between countries on the global stage and also within communities”.  

He indicated that hate speech has a corrosive effect on social cohesion and stability. According to Turk, corruption remains a massive issue in all regions of the world. There is also a troubling resurgence in unconstitutional changes.

Opaque electoral processes, he said, are on the rise as our frustrations with state institutions that are considered to be neither representative nor effective.

He went further to indicate that crackdown on peaceful protest and attacks on human rights defenders are growing particularly in the context of elections.

“Promoting human rights and finding our way to our global challenges must be nothing less than a collective endeavour. All actors, states, institutions, civil society, the private sector, international institutions, it is in all our interest to work towards and to ensure an equal, just, sustainable and resilient society,” Turk said. 

Enter IRIC Director

Speaking earlier, the Director of IRIC, Daniel Urbain Ndongo, said it was an honour to receive the visiting UN High Commissioner for Human rights to the prestigious institution.

Ndongo revealed that the institution which has earned a reputation over the years as a reference has groomed some of the best diplomats around the continent and the international stage.

He lauded the efforts of the UN High Commissioner for human rights for the work done in ameliorating the human rights situation in the country. He said the commission publishes reports on developments and proposes solutions to government authorities to protect civilians.

Ndongo also praised the High Commission for providing training to Cameroon security forces on the respect of human rights particularly in the context of peace keeping operations and counter terrorism activities. He also lauded the commission for the collaboration with civil societies.

Ndongo said the government of Cameroon is committed to facilitating the working condition of the commission. The support, he stressed, is multi-faceted.

He said all these contribute to the emergence of a society characterised by freedom, respect for others and consolidation of rule of law.

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3194 of Friday August 09, 2024