Rumbek joins with UN in celebration of human rights

By Manyang Mayom

December 10, 2009 (RUMBEK) – Lakes state inhabitants today marked the 61st Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights in Rumbek, in a ceremony attended by Lakes state government ministers, MPs, SPLM secretaries, NGOs and representatives of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), which was the top organizer.

Human Rights Day occurs every year on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In Rumbek Freedom Square, the day was specially marked by a rally with various folk life presentations, consisting of women’s group dancers of Akon Buoi, Gol-meen, and Ciec Manyiel.

Speaking during the rally, David Nok Marial Buot, Deputy Governor and Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, affirmed that “Human Rights are to correct human wrong.” Nok condemned protesters who had destroying the mosque in Rumbek and he ordered the immediate arrest of those culprits.

He was referring to backlash that occurred on Monday due to arrests of SPLM leaders in Khartoum. “SPLM did not call for looting protest; SPLM protest was aimed to back up our lawmakers in national parliament in Khartoum and immediately to release our leaders who were arrested in Khartoum. We always protest but we protest in a peaceful manner.”

Furthermore, Nok promised to tour prisons and to release those whose detention could not meet justice.

Albert Maurice Mugabushaka, UNMIS team leader of human rights in Rumbek told the crowd that “the concept of non-discrimination lies at the heart of human rights,” which was the theme of the message from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

Mugabushaka read out the message of Commissioner Pillay. He pointed out that twenty-six of the Universal Declaration’s 30 articles begin with the words, “Everyone” or “No one.”

“No one should excluded. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Non-discrimination must prevail,” he said.

Pillay’s statement said that “minorities in all regions of the world continue to face serious threats, discrimination and racism, and are frequently excluded from fully taking part in the economic, political, social and cultural life available to the majorities in the countries or societies where they live…. Discrimination based on religion or belief can be equally destructive.

Mugabushaka also appealed to every person to honour Human Rights Day 2009 by embracing diversity and resolving to take concrete and lasting actions to help put an end to discrimination.

(ST)