World Human Rights Day 2008 Message issued

Sixty years ago, in the aftermath of the atrocities of the Second World War, humanity sought to redefine itself and the acceptable standard of conduct and achievement for modern civilization. One of the tools by which this was done was the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations' member states on December 10, 1948.

The Declaration recognizes the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family, founded in freedom, justice and peace. The Preamble makes it clear that rule of law must be upheld at all times as a shield against barbarism, tyranny and oppression; that the dignity and worth of the human person be reaffirmed; and that the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people must be respected at all times for the moral, social and economic protection and advancement of all people.

The 30 Articles that comprise the Declaration compel us all to strive against discrimination whether on the basis of race, religion, politics, geography or any other status.

Governments that have joined in this global pact have all resolved to guarantee the right to life, liberty and security of persons; the prohibition of slavery and servitude in all forms; condemnation of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; equal protection of all before the law; freedom to hold and express political views; participation in government through elected representatives; access to healthcare, public service; employment, reasonable work conditions, housing and education; and many other fundamental rights.

The government of each country's will or ability to adhere to these principles measures not only the extent to which these international obligations are met, but they define the conscience of a people and their government.

The theme of this year's observance of World Human Rights Day "Dignity and Justice for all of us" is most appropriate for us in Trinidad and Tobago in the context of current affairs.

In this country, human rights violations occur almost every second. Preventable deaths due to crime and illnesses such as dengue, invasions against the person and property such as break-ins, robberies and rape, lack of police support in communities, no beds in public hospitals, no water or electricity in homes, the neglect of our vital agricultural sector, and discrimination for jobs, public housing and social welfare.

We are accustomed to being short-changed by the government and its agents. We have accepted that crime is high and that our institutions are not functioning. Justice is not being served for our victims and fresh violations are created by the prolonged incarceration of accused persons.

Institutionalized discrimination under the PNM is rampant as evidenced by several court judgments against the government and the Prime Minister. But this does not deter a regime that had to be taken to court because it refused to implement anti-discrimination legislation and is yet to comply with a court order to fully implement the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act.

Accountability and transparency in government is being shut down at every level and those who question the government are treated with indignity and contempt.

What many of us do not recognize is that all of these are infringements against human rights and violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which this country is a signatory. That is why our rating on the Human Development Index continues to slide every year, and more importantly it is one of the main reasons why the quality of life here has deteriorated so badly.

Further, more drastic violations are on the horizon with moves to deepen the dictatorship of the Manning administration through a sinister and clandestine "ghost constitution", and with each corruption-riddled mega-project the government prioritizes ahead of the education of our children.

Dear friends, at this time when our democracy is under attack from those who have sworn to uphold it and where our society is collapsing, it is imperative for every citizen to ensure that they are aware of their rights. That is the only way you can ensure that your rights and the rights of your family and neighbours are protected and observed.

You must be vigilant because if you sleep on your rights you may awake to find they have been stolen away.

As Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the United National Congress, I take this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment and that of the party to fight all attempts to erode the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons and to work towards dignity and justice for all.

Hon Basdeo Panday
Leader of the Opposition
MP Couva North
Political Leader, UNC




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CREDITS:

- Photo watching an incursion from your roof by michaelramallah