President Professor Peter Mutharika on Thursday emphasised the need for people in the country to love and respect each other and never to allow any differences override over human rights fundamental principles.
Mutharika made the appeal at Masintha ground in Lilongwe during the commemoration of the International Human Rights day held under the theme “Our rights, Our freedom, Always.”
He said, “Our gathering today should make us remember to dignify the humanity. Let us rise above our differences and focus on things that matter most for our human existence.
“Let us remember that we all born equal with dignity and worth and every human life is as worth as any other. Think of the other person as human first and foremost.”
The President further said the more people think of the differences in social class, gender, culture, origin and political ideology the more they must remember that we are all humans equal in the fundamental of our existence.
“We can live up to our common duty of respecting one another’s rights, feel the pain in the suffering of others and stand up for them even when the fundamental rights are being violated,” the president said.
President Mutharika then described the International Human Rights day as important as it offered an opportunity to reflect on progress made in as far as human rights issues are concerned.
He hinted that, for the development of any country, it is important that rights of the citizens are respected.
“No country can develop by thinking of rights without our sense of duty and responsibility. Malawi cannot progress if we think of our rights and freedoms more than our duties and responsibilities,” Mutharika explained.
He assured of supporting the fight and promotion of human rights, by among other things, passing legislation that are in support of the human rights principles.
Malawi Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Justin Dzonzi said among the challenges facing the Malawi nation include, poor education, lack of clean water, financial services as well as energy.
Dzonzi then called on the Government to value its people by making sure that all the necessities are available and accessible.
“As we reflect on the progress made, let us all realise the duty and responsibilities,” Dzonzi said
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Marchel Gerrmann, Ambassador and Head of European Union delegation said the European community is proud to be a leading voice on human rights issues.
Gerrmann assured of the organisation’s commitment in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and rule of law.
“The EU believes that sustainable peace development and prosperity cannot exist without respect for human rights.
Protecting rights and freedoms is therefore at the heart of all our interventions and projects around the world,” He explained.
The international Human rights day was adopted in 1948 when all countries around the world adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To reflect on the progress made, it was agreed that the day be celebrated every December 10 of each year.
