Human Rights Day celebrations echo need to Reduce Inequalities

Alongside the rest of the world, UN Namibia commemorated Human Rights Day with an assortment of artistic performances, exhibitions and panel discussions that took place on the 8th and 9th  of December 2021.

In partnership with the Franco-Namibia Cultural Centre (FNCC), the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Namibia, Café Prestige and the Government of Namibia, these events highlighted article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under the theme “Equality – Reducing inequalities advancing human rights.” 

Sen Pang, UN Resident Coordinator to Namibia, noted that in celebrating Human Rights Day, we must remind ourselves how the COVID-19 crisis exacerbates the vulnerability of the least protected and most marginalized in our societies.

“The ongoing crisis associated with the pandemic has put human rights and other international legal protections under extra pressure, said Pang.

The UNRC also added that “bringing human rights home is at the core of the UN’s mission to integrate Human rights and make it a reality in the daily life of every single person in the world and to further integrate human rights into our socio-economic response to the crisis”.

While COVID-19 continues to take centre stage in global relevance, addressing gender-based violence - commonly referred to as the “secret’’ pandemic -  still remains an important concern for Namibia.

In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Advocate Dollien //Gowases from the Office of the Prosecutor General made it clear that GBV undermines the role that women play in society.

“Without women, what would life look like? Would there be life? Or thriving nations and civilizations? It sounds and is impossible. And that’s the impact GBV has had on Namibia as a developing nation”, said //Gowases.

Activists, experts and government officials tackled multiple topics during the panel discussions including sexual reproductive rights, women’s economic empowerment and male engagement in GBV with seasoned Namibian journalist, Jemima Beukes moderating all discussions.

Several contributions came from the audience, which comprised of members from the international community, government and activist groups and the public.

During the two-day event a photographic exhibition chronicling the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a poster exhibition by the United Nations Democracy Institute titled “Gender Equality Now!” were unveiled. Curated by the FNCC team, the poster exhibition showcased thought provoking artwork to spark conversations on Human Rights and Gender Equality.

RMB Namibia unveiled a replica of the “Fearless Thinker” statue.  Commissioned by RMB and created by artist Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe it is an Afro-centric version of the “Fearless Girl” statue located in Wall Street, New York and speaks to values of individuality, courage and strength, particularly among African women and girls.

RMB Namibia CEO Phillip Chapman and colleague, Odille Wellman unveiled the statue, with Chapman urging that the statue, “serve as a constant reminder to have courage, stay curious and relentlessly question the status quo”.

“Coupled with a responsible and collaborative mind set, fearless thinking can unlock the collective wisdom to support society to find opportunity in adversity”, said Chapman.

During the two days Namibian artists such as Patrick Star, Emvee K and Alexandria treated audiences to several performances. Renowned pianist Harry Rheeder, who is visually impaired, stole the show with an unforgettable piano concert; concluding the two days of advocating for inclusivity and the equality of all people to achieve an equitable society.

The UN approach to achieving equality is set out in the document, “Shared Framework on Leaving No One Behind: Equality and Non-Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development”.

This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in society, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTI people, migrants and people with disabilities, among others. It ultimately aims to achieve equality in dignity and rights for all supporting opportunities and outcomes for fairer and inclusive societies.