In a bold move marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Maxwell Opara Esq, a prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer, spearheaded a group of activists and members of the Civil Group to the Rights House in London. The impassioned gathering aimed to shed light on the apparent inadequacies of the United Nations in safeguarding and promoting human rights since the historic declaration on December 10, 1948.
Addressing a global audience, Opara and his fellow activists lamented the fact that, despite over seven decades of international commitment to human rights, the world continues to grapple with issues such as genocide, unlawful detention of citizens, intimidation by political leaders, disobedience to court orders, and election rigging.
The event, which gained significant traction on social media, emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for a renewed commitment from the international community to ensure the protection of human rights worldwide.
Opara, known for his unwavering dedication to justice, spoke passionately about the need for concrete action, stating, “It is unacceptable that, after 75 years, we are still confronted with egregious violations of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be more than just ink on paper; it should be a living testament to our collective commitment to justice and dignity for all.”
The activists raised concerns about the prevalence of genocide in various regions, citing instances where innocent lives are lost due to conflicts and persecution. They also highlighted the alarming trend of political leaders using intimidation tactics against their own citizens, creating an environment of fear and suppression.
One of the key issues addressed was the flouting of court orders by governments, undermining the very institutions designed to uphold justice. Opara and his colleagues called for accountability and an end to the culture of impunity that allows leaders to act above the law.
The activists did not shy away from addressing the persistent issue of election rigging, stressing the importance of free and fair electoral processes as a cornerstone of democratic societies. They urged the international community to take a more proactive role in ensuring transparent and credible elections.
As the event concluded, Opara expressed determination to continue the fight for human rights, asserting, “Nothing good comes easily, and we will not relent until we see tangible improvements in the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide.”
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The anniversary served as a powerful reminder that the struggle for human rights is ongoing, and collective efforts are needed to ensure that the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights become a reality for people everywhere.
- By Ken Gbados
