Remarks at the Commemoration of the International Day of Human Rights

Salutations:

• The Chairperson, Uganda Human Rights Commission;
• The Representative of the Uganda Law Society;
• Members of the Diplomatic Community;
• Elders, Political and Religious leaders
• Members of the Academia;
• Representatives of the Civil Society;
• Representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities;
• My colleagues members of the UN family in Uganda;
• All Protocol observed.

Good Morning

It is a great honour to join you, the people of the Republic of Uganda, as we commemorate the International Day of Human Rights, 10th December 2025. I bring warm greetings from the entire United Nations family in Uganda.

Today, we mark a day of profound significance: the International Day of Human Rights, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly in 1948 – a landmark document that enshrined the fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or religion. Today’s gathering is also a moment to reaffirm that human rights are universal, indivisible, and must be enjoyed by every person every where.

The global theme for this year is: “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.” This theme reminds us that human rights are not abstract ideals - they are practical, daily necessities that uphold dignity, justice, and equality, ensuring that all people – regardless of disability, gender, age, socio-economic status, or location – can exercise their rights without barriers, stigma, or discrimination. Indeed, Human rights are the foundation for peace and development.

In his message for Human Rights Day, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, notes:

“Human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural — are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent… When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive.”  End of quotation.

Also, to echo the words of our very own son of Africa, Nelson Mandela, who reminds us that, “to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Human rights are therefore our shared responsibility and the bedrock of inclusive societies and sustainable development. When rights are violated - whether through discrimination, violence, or denial of basic freedoms – the very fabric of society is weakened.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In Uganda we are commemorating the International Human Rights Day under the theme: “Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media and Security of Person”

This theme is particularly timely as the country approaches the 2026 elections. Inclusion, tolerance for divergent views, and a commitment to peace will be essential throughout the electoral period. I commend the Uganda Human Rights Commission and all partners for organizing this dialogue, which is focused on advocating for democratic space and a human rights-centered election.

The United Nations calls upon all Ugandans to uphold tolerance and respect for divergent views as they fulfill their civic responsibilities. This includes addressing and removing barriers faced by women, girls, and persons with disabilities, and other groups facing intersecting vulnerabilities, ensuring their participation in public affairs is safe, respected, and valued throughout the electoral cycle.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Uganda is a party to major international human rights treaties, including: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

These treaties provide a strong foundation for the protection of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights within the country. 

Uganda also benefits from a robust institutional framework and constitutional bodies that safeguard human rights. Key among these are the Judiciary and the Legislature, which play a central role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Uganda are respected and enforced for all Ugandans, including marginalized groups such as women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Complementing these are independent oversight institutions,  including: Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC); The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), which faciltate easier access of Ugandans to enforcement and uphold of their human rights.

In addition, civil society organizations and a free and vibrant media provide critical checks and balances, fostering transparency and accountability. Together, these actors create a multi-tiered system for the protection and promotion of human rights, ensuring that violations and abuses are addressed and that democratic space is preserved.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We should recognize that establishing institutions and mechanisms is only the first step; ensuring that they function effectively is the real measure of progress. Experience around the world shows that when systems are not fully enabled to fulfil their mandates, the protection of rights can weaken.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The United Nations in Uganda has been steadfast in supporting the Government of Uganda to strengthen institutions and mechanisms that promote and protect human rights. This commitment is embedded in the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030, which was recently endorsed by the Government of Uganda. In that document Human Rights are at the centre of this Framework, particularly under Strategic Priority Three: “Integrated, Inclusive, and Rights-based Governance for Transformative Development.” this underlines, that there can be no sustainable development if we do not put human rights up front.

This vision reflects the UN’s unwavering commitment to work hand in hand with the Government, civil society, and all stakeholders to create a Uganda where every person enjoys dignity, equality, and opportunity and indeed the security of the person.

I would like ladies and gentlemen to conclude with a reminder that human rights are not self-executing; they require constant vigilance, active participation, and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. This shared responsibility requires special attention to those whose voices are often unheard, including women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, whose lived experiences must guide our collective action. Let us remember that a human-rights-centered Uganda must be an accessible Uganda – one where persons with disabilities participate fully in community life, where all citizens of Uganda can access public services and information to enable them to make informed decisions, and where inclusive development is not an aspiration but a daily practice. As Eleanor Roosevelt best put it, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home… Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” We have to protect rights of everyone, everywhere in Uganda

With these remarks, I wish you a peaceful election period, free of violence. I call upon all of us to invariably stand up for human rights, promote them and protect them everyday

Thank you.