Odoki okays Commonwealth human rights forum
Nov 26, 2007
THE Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki, has backed the move to establish a Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.<br>The national human rights institutions currently operate under the People’s Forum.<br>
By Vision Reporter
THE Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki, has backed the move to establish a Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.
The national human rights institutions currently operate under the People’s Forum.
The human rights forum is expected to be endorsed by the heads of governments meeting from Friday to Sunday.
“I would like to commend the national human rights institutions for having the
foresight to establish a forum that highlights their prominence and distinct role in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms,†Odoki said.
Speaking at the first meeting of Commonwealth national human rights institutions at Protea Hotel Kampala on Monday, Odoki said the need to form the forum pointed to the central role that human rights institutions play.
“Today, national human rights institutions within the Commonwealth need a mechanism not only to share best practices but to have a common stand on human rights.â€
He said the move would ensure protections of human rights beyond the borders of individual countries.
Odoki called for more cooperation between the national human rights institutions and the respective judiciaries, saying human rights are engrained in any democratic society that upholds the rule of law, equality and .
“Without this delicate balance, justice will remain illusionary. It is in light of this that the vital role of national human rights institutions in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms has been recognised.â€
Odoki added that national human rights institutions have been able to draw the attention to legal systemic issues such as delays in the administration of justice, access to justice and the effective provision of legal aid.
“These institutions have also used judgments of courts in their daily functions, which has strengthened the human rights jurisprudence.â€
The Commonwealth deputy secretary general, Florence Mugasha, said it was important that the human rights institutions encourage commitment to international instruments.
She launched a human rights guide and plan of action for the national human rights institutions, adding that there were about 25 national human rights institutions operating in the Commonwealth.
Mugasha also handed over a certificate of commendation and 100 pounds (about sh300,000) to Ronald Segujja Ssekandi, a student of St, Mary’s College Kisubi, who was the winner of the 2007 Commonwealth Essay Competition.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative, Maarit Kohonen, said human rights institutions were central in ensuring countries practice democracy and uphold the rule of law.
She added that the UN programmes were now targeting all key elements of good governance such as safe guarding the rule of law, verifying elections, training the Police, monitoring human rights, fostering investment and promoting accountable administration.
THE Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki, has backed the move to establish a Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.
The national human rights institutions currently operate under the People’s Forum.
The human rights forum is expected to be endorsed by the heads of governments meeting from Friday to Sunday.
“I would like to commend the national human rights institutions for having the
foresight to establish a forum that highlights their prominence and distinct role in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms,†Odoki said.
Speaking at the first meeting of Commonwealth national human rights institutions at Protea Hotel Kampala on Monday, Odoki said the need to form the forum pointed to the central role that human rights institutions play.
“Today, national human rights institutions within the Commonwealth need a mechanism not only to share best practices but to have a common stand on human rights.â€
He said the move would ensure protections of human rights beyond the borders of individual countries.
Odoki called for more cooperation between the national human rights institutions and the respective judiciaries, saying human rights are engrained in any democratic society that upholds the rule of law, equality and .
“Without this delicate balance, justice will remain illusionary. It is in light of this that the vital role of national human rights institutions in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms has been recognised.â€
Odoki added that national human rights institutions have been able to draw the attention to legal systemic issues such as delays in the administration of justice, access to justice and the effective provision of legal aid.
“These institutions have also used judgments of courts in their daily functions, which has strengthened the human rights jurisprudence.â€
The Commonwealth deputy secretary general, Florence Mugasha, said it was important that the human rights institutions encourage commitment to international instruments.
She launched a human rights guide and plan of action for the national human rights institutions, adding that there were about 25 national human rights institutions operating in the Commonwealth.
Mugasha also handed over a certificate of commendation and 100 pounds (about sh300,000) to Ronald Segujja Ssekandi, a student of St, Mary’s College Kisubi, who was the winner of the 2007 Commonwealth Essay Competition.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative, Maarit Kohonen, said human rights institutions were central in ensuring countries practice democracy and uphold the rule of law.
She added that the UN programmes were now targeting all key elements of good governance such as safe guarding the rule of law, verifying elections, training the Police, monitoring human rights, fostering investment and promoting accountable administration.