Sombre anniversary: 75 years of the UDHR amidst global human rights violations

Dar es Salaam. As the world prepares to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, the celebratory mood has been overshadowed by a stark reality: rampant human rights violations continue to plague nations across the globe.

Human rights defenders, instead of revelling in the UDHR's aspirations of dignity, freedom and justice for all, find themselves confronting a world where these very principles are routinely disregarded.

In a gathering hosted by the Legal and Human Rights Centre in Dar es Salaam, seasoned lawyer Mr Bahame Nyanduga expressed his concerns, stating, "As I stand here today, we are marking the 75th anniversary in a sombre atmosphere. This should not be so; rather, today should be a happy day across the world.”

“However, there are other places where the declaration is seen as a hollow promise," Nyanduga emphasised, emphasising the contradiction of celebrating "a birthday during grief."

Reflecting on the historical significance of the UDHR, Mr Nyanduga highlighted its inspiration for liberation struggles, challenging colonial powers to acknowledge human rights while treating people in various colonies as sub-human.

However, he lamented the persistence of double standards, where occupation continues and the right to self-determination remains elusive, citing an example of the Israel-Gaza situation.

Despite the ratification of the declaration by many countries, including Tanzania, and its inclusion in their constitutions, experts said implementation has deviated in most cases.

Civicus Monitor, an organisation monitoring civil and political rights, reported highly restricted civic space in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting 45 out of 50 countries in the region. Incidents such as attacks on journalists, intimidation, forceful dispersal of protests, use of excessive force, and assassinations persist, hindering civic rights and freedoms.

Independent lawyer Moses Saguti acknowledged that Tanzania, like other nations, faces challenges in protecting human rights. He cautioned against complacency, stating, "With the current situation in the world, we cannot know what the next 75 years will be like. Despite this declaration, the situation is getting worse around the world and even in this country. This is not something to celebrate at all, but let's use this celebration to reflect."

The situation in Gaza drew particular attention during the commemoration, with activists highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people, who, even after 75 years, lack a place to call home. The activists expressed disappointment, especially in the face of the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in the region.

Calls for changes to the 2017 civil rights law in Tanzania, formulated in 2018, were also raised by activists who sought greater freedom in carrying out their duties to help the government protect human rights.

Retired Executive Director of LHRC, Ms Kijo Bisimba, underscored the challenges faced, stating, "The big challenge is that if government organisations want to do anything, they must provide information. There are many thresholds that have been set."

Religious leaders, gathered by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), acknowledged a gap in human rights education among their ranks. TEC Secretary General, Dr Charles Kitima, emphasised the need for religious leaders to be educated on human rights issues.

"Human rights education is needed for all our religious leaders to make believers understand that, along with spiritual issues, their leaders care about them. We have to stand now as we embark on another 75 years; thus, we need to keep doing what we are called to do," he stated.

Bishop and Chairman of the Interfaith Standing Committee on Economic Justice and Integrity of Creation, Nelson Kisare, urged improvements in the implementation of laws related to human rights. He emphasised the importance of not using laws to suppress human rights and called for a country where the law is applied justly.

“As we reflect on the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, the prevailing challenges underscore the urgency for renewed commitment and actions to ensure the principles enshrined in the declaration become a tangible reality for all citizens in the years to come,” said Mr Saguti.