Message by Arid chairperson Lucianne Sofola ‘We cannot allow people to marginalise people or victimise them’ |10 December 2021
Arid chairperson Lucianne Sofola
“To deny people their human rights are to challenge their very humanity,” former South African President Nelson Mandela once said.
“We cannot allow people to marginalise people or victimise them especially the weak and helpless ones. We need to protect and uphold human rights at all times. Without them, there would be no long-lasting peace, no justice nor hope for a better and more prosperous world.
“Today, we celebrate International Human Rights Day with the theme ‘Equality ‒ Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights’. Inequality in its various forms is an issue that affects human race and inequality is not only a threat to economic and social rights ‒ it impends the advancement of all rights.
“While commitment to upholding human rights standards has been faltering in the Seychelles, the Covid-19 pandemic is eroding the democracy of our society on which protection of human rights depends. The Covid-19 pandemic has upset our lives financially as well as socially. It has also provided many workplaces with a good pretext to exploit fears and restrict people’s rights.
“Emergency laws that risk having long-term consequences, beyond the health crisis should be thought of very clearly before enactment as these too could deny people their Human Rights.
“Before the pandemic, we were not fully equal and we have not been equal in the face of it. Those who decided not to be vaccinated could become poorer because they could face greater disadvantages.
“Arid is urging law and policy makers not to use issues of public health to limit the exercise of other fundamental rights. Right to work is an entitlement the human right recognizes. It means the right to participate in the producing and servicing activities of human society and guarantees an adequate standard of living. In line with that, Arid pleads with the government to protect this right no matter what, if we want to really reduce Inequality.
“Discrimination, marginalisation, molestation, sexual harassment at work places and particularly with domestic workers, must be stopped. Gender based violence must be stopped if we want to have a healthy nation.
”Arid wants EQUALITY for all. Equality where human rights thrive.”