The International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights is currently taking place in Geneva, coinciding with the United Nations Human Rights Council's fifty-fifth regular session. The festival and the council meeting serve as reminders of the importance of human rights and the role of governments in guaranteeing their implementation [bbd2eaf2].
A two-day regional dialogue forum on 'human rights: promoting equality and combating discrimination in the context of migration' has been launched in Qatar. The forum is organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in cooperation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), and the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) [4800ff67].
HE Chairperson of the NHRC, Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, highlighted in her opening speech that promoting equality and combating discrimination are priorities for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. She acknowledged the notable transformations in the GCC countries regarding equality and non-discrimination and the increasing care for the rights of expatriate workers. Al-Attiyah welcomed the measures taken by sisterly countries and the legislative reforms in Qatar that guarantee and protect the rights of expatriate workers based on the Permanent Constitution of Qatar and in fulfillment of international obligations [4800ff67].
The implementation of human rights principles and treaties is a central problem, as there is often a lack of regular operationalization on the ground. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while providing a framework for human rights, lacks a clear referent, causing a disconnect between words and actions. However, President Joe Biden's recent State of the Union address highlighted various rights and positioned himself as the referent for ensuring their implementation. He emphasized the importance of human rights and the role of governments in guaranteeing their protection [bbd2eaf2].
The Geneva human rights film festival and the Human Rights Council meeting underscore the idea that governments, not just declarations or treaties, are the true referents for human rights. It is the responsibility of governments to protect and implement the rights of their citizens. Biden's speech further emphasized this point, highlighting the need for governments to take action and ensure the implementation of human rights. The implementation of citizens' human rights will ultimately be judged by voters, highlighting the importance of government accountability in this regard [bbd2eaf2].
Human rights defenders are facing deadly threats as the climate crisis deepens and threats to democracy rise. In 2022, more than 400 murders of defenders were documented, the highest number ever recorded [84d96133]. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin introduced the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024 to strengthen the U.S. government's ability to protect individuals abroad who are attacked for defending human rights. The bill requires the creation of a new visa category for at-risk defenders, increases protections for defenders testifying at multilateral forums, and expands resources available to U.S. diplomatic missions to support defenders [84d96133].
Protecting and resourcing the work of defenders is critical for achieving a just energy transition, safeguarding the environment, upholding minority rights, countering democratic backsliding, and creating accountable and transparent systems of government [84d96133]. The international community, including companies, must do better in supporting defenders at risk [84d96133] [84d96133].
63 young activists in Mali, aged 18 to 25, participated in a training session on Human Rights and good governance from December 11th to 13th, 2023. The training was organized in honor of the anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The results of the training, presented on May 1st, 2024, highlighted a deep understanding of the subject matter and increased involvement in various organizations. The training sessions were conducted by experts, including Ms. Murielle GEMIS and Dr. Souleymane SACKO. Participants expressed a need for additional support, particularly in terms of supplementary training and financial resources. The conclusion of the survey showed a significant impact on civic engagement, with participants taking on key positions related to the protection of human rights. The training contributed to shaping a new generation that is committed and responsible towards humanity and its differences [0e220555].
Rejoyce Motaung, a law student, reflects on the meaning of Human Rights Day and the importance of education and political freedom for the youth. She emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement to ensure the Bill of Rights is entrenched in society's behaviors. Motaung believes human rights are meant to protect and that the Constitution and Bill of Rights capture the essence of human dignity. She acknowledges that while human rights may currently exist only on paper for some, it is important for everyone to be valued and heard. Motaung emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge about rights and responsibilities within a democracy, as the youth will one day be running the country. She also highlights the significance of elections, stating that it is not just about voting for a political party or person, but about putting someone in a position to uphold and enforce human rights [8594f5ab].
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, delivered a speech at a conference on 'Religious Freedom and Integral Human Development'. He emphasized that religious freedom is the first of all human rights and that its violation undermines the entire category of human rights. He expressed concern over the increasing number of people persecuted for their religious beliefs, with Christians being the most vulnerable. He identified religious fundamentalism, nationalism, political and economic reasons, and secularism as factors contributing to religious intolerance. He criticized opulent countries in the northern hemisphere for neglecting religious freedom despite priding themselves on their achievements in human rights. He called for the recognition of the religious dimension in the lives of individuals and the integration of the individual and collective dimensions of religious freedom. He emphasized the importance of conscience and the duty to respect and enforce religious freedom. He stated that the defense of religious freedom is the defense of the truth of the human person and that those who enjoy religious freedom can achieve their own integral development and contribute to the wider society [7bafd3eb].
Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari claims that human rights do not exist, stating that they are fictional stories invented by humans. Tom Holland, author of 'Dominion,' and Glen Scrivener, an Anglican priest, engage in a debate with Harari. Holland argues that human rights require subjective belief and are not self-evident, while Scrivener disagrees and asserts that rights are faith-based but still real. The concept of human rights emerged in the 12th century in a Christian and Western political context. The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights is inspired by the Declaration of Independence, which attributes rights to a Creator. The article questions whether human rights can be sustained and enforced globally if God is no longer acknowledged. Scrivener argues that rights belong to all but have a specific source in the God who became man in Jesus Christ. The article concludes that as the West loses touch with this God, it will also lose grasp on the concept of human rights. [ffdc1589]