By Magreth Nunuhe
WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba yesterday said that government remains committed to the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights at home and in interactions in bilateral and international settings.
The President made the remark in a speech read by Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku at the Old Location Cemetery to celebrate International Human Rights Day and Namibian Women’s Day, and the 55th commemoration of those who died on December 10, 1959 during the forced removal of black people from the Old Location.
“Here at home we will continue to put in place policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the enjoyment of these rights,” Pohamba said, adding that through education and training people would be empowered to speak out without fear when their rights are violated.
He said Namibia has travelled a long road since the dark days of colonialism and apartheid and it depends on the contribution each citizen is willing to make to protect and promote human rights, such as the right to health, education, food, housing, founding a family, participating in public life and being free from torture, arbitrary arrest and detention.
“I also pay tribute to Namibian heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives and shed their precious blood during the forced and illegal removal of our people from the Old Location to present-day Katutura in 1959,” he said, adding that the atrocities committed against Namibian people shall never be forgotten.
The President said that in Namibia, December 10 is commemorated as Womens’ Rights Day with this year’s theme being “Peace in the Home to Peace in Namibia: United to End Violene Against Women and Children.”
Internationally, the day is declared by the United Nations as “Human Rights 365”.
“The theme reminds us that every day of the year is Human Rights Day. It reaffirms the fundamental proposition contained in the universal declaration that each one of us everywhere is entitled at all times to the full range of human rights,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Rosalia Nghidinwa said that December 10 marked the end of the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). She said the theme of the day was wisely selected to respond to the current incidents of domestic violence, “but yet some men in society still continue to kill women and girls”.
The gender minister mentioned the gruesome killing of a 19-year old girl who was stabbed to death in Outjo Hospital by her 20-year old boyfriend on Sunday.
“I am troubled why some of our younger generation are so heartless and become wild animals in the society,” she added ruefully.
Other activities included the laying of wreaths by Deputy Prime Minister Hausiku, Chairperson of the National Council Asser Kapere and Damara Chief Justus Garoeb, as well as cultural performances.