By Melanie Nathan, African Human Rights Coalition, DEC 10 2022
Today, HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2022, as we attend the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate ceremony to witness the recognition of heroes as they receive their well earned medals, we are reminded of the struggle and sacrifices of all Human Rights Defenders. There would be no human rights without those who defend - stand up- speak out - and sacrifice, at whatever risk and cost, for freedom, democracy and the inalienable right to autonomy over ones body, one's innate sexuality and one's gender identity. Across the World and in Africa, LGBTQI+ human rights defenders are facing the daunting and precarious task of standing up to state sponsored homophobia and transphobia - as we struggle to eradicate the unjust laws that criminalize our very being, and free and protect those who are so viciously impacted. In congratulating Ales Bialiatski, Memorial, Center for Civil Liberties, we realize that no matter who we are or where we are, the slaughter of one right is the slaughter of all ... and we stand together on this special day to recommit to our fight here at African Human Rights Coalition, one life at a time, one life at a time, to be honored, loved and restored to the dignity that freedom and democracy insists upon. In solidarity we thank all Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society, we stand as one, across the globe.
“The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries. They have for many years promoted the right to criticize power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens. They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy”
“The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries. They have for many years promoted the right to criticize power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens. They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy”
The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries. They have for many years promoted the right to criticize power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens. They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy”
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations.
