An IT expert, philanthropist and a prominent politician in Delta State, Hon. Paul Adingwupu has called on institutions of state and the general public to stand firm in the defence of human rights.
He made this declaration to mark the International Human Rights Day, which holds every December 10 across the globe.
December 10 every year is observed by the international community in line with the General Assembly’s adoption and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Adingwupu, who is not unaware of poor human rights record globally, decided to add his voice in this year’s advocacy and celebration because of the need to protect the rights of citizens, especially vulnerable people.
According to the politician, for a society to be fair and better, it must promote best practices and protection of the rights of its countrymen and women is one of such practices.
“A day like this calls for sober reflection. And as citizens, we should not lose sight of the fact that without protecting and fighting for the rights of others, especially the vulnerable, an improved quality of life and a better society that we all seek, will remain a mirage”.
“So, what are we doing from our different parts of the world as individuals, institutions, professionals, community and thought leaders, influencers, religious leaders, cultural organisations and even politicians to change the world in our quest for a better society through respect for people’s rights?.
“At a personal level, I am very happy that every 10 December, United Nations reminds the world of the need to think and work towards eliminating abuses by ensuring that everyone is free from any form of torture, human rights abuses and violations.
For me, the journey has only just begun but there is hope in the near future, that we will put behind us, this growing tide of violence and violations of human rights in Nigeria and other places outside our shores.
“So, on a day like this, I wish to thank specially, human rights defenders, civil society groups, some government agencies, lawyers, journalists, social media influencers and faith-based institutions, among others for the work they do for humanity.
There could not have been a better time to thank them for caring deeply about the well-being of others. But we must join hands to bring an end to this circle of violence that is now part of our daily life.
“As we all know, the journey before us as individuals and groups is long and winding, but together, we can change our world for the better by bringing freedom and hope to victims of human rights violations everywhere.
“Happy International Human Rights Day.”
Paul Adingwupu.
