“Human Rights is for everyone”- Ghana marks 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was marked today under the theme “Implications for Human Rights Protection in Ghana”, with key partners renewing their commitment to supporting Ghana maintain a distinguishable record of leaving no one behind.

The event organized by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in collaboration with the UN in Ghana and other partners, was attended by human rights advocates including the Head of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly  Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice, Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, representatives from CSOs, the private sector, among others.

Speaking on the theme, Mr. Charles Abani emphasized the role of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as a beacon of hope “a testament of our shared commitment to building a world where every individual can live a life of dignity and freedom”. He emphasized the duty of states to promote and protect all human and fundamental freedoms, “this is why the United Nations stands for the rights of every member, the human race, and the human family” he added.

 “We are not to revel in the successes of the past, though commendable, but to understand the challenges to the advancements in human rights facing Ghana today and those that we are likely to face in the future”, stated Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah in his keynote address. “We owe it to ourselves to recognize the progress made so far in protecting human rights particularly in Ghana, the work to be done and the need to adapt to the changing world.”He added.

H.E. Irchard Ramiadrasoa Razaaly commended Ghana on their conduct and follow up to the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.  "The real success will be achieved in the implementation of the recommendations during the process”. Ambassador Razaaly echoed that “Human Rights is for everyone, male, women, kids in every country”.

The Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal emphasized the power of the Universal Declaration as the power to change the world. He said CHRAJ remains committed to its mandate of the promotion and protection of human rights, and will do everything possible, within the ambit of the law, to ensure true respect for the rights of all living human.