The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has urged persons across the world to place human rights issues at the heart of their daily concerns.

She highlighted this in a message read to the public in Yaounde on December 10, during an event to commemorate the 66th edition of the International Human Rights Day.

“Human rights are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year,” stated Pillay in her message.

Observed under the theme “Human Rights 365”, officials underscored the commitments made to the people of the world through the Universal Declaration; discrediting the tyranny, discrimination and contempt for human beings that have so painfully marked human history.

“The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible – 365 days a year,” Pillay stated.

On his part, the Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms, NCHRF, Dr. Divine Banda Chemuta, said the event was of particular importance to Cameroon, at a time when the country is faced with many challenges related to peace and security at the borders.

He condemned the acts of terrorism that constitute threats to peace and endanger life, human dignity, physical and moral integrity, property, education, health, employment and security of persons.

“Our national human rights institution will continue and intensify its actions of consultation, dialogue, promotion and protection of human rights in these parts, so that everyone may enjoy the same rights and freedoms throughout the entire territory,” stated Chemuta.

The event was a joint celebration of the 10th anniversary of the NCHRF and the 66th International Human Rights Day. The slogan for the 10th anniversary was “2004 – 2014: 10 years of the NCHRF at the service of Human Rights and Freedoms.”

The NCHRF was created in 2004 by law No 2004/016 of 22 July 2004. Celebrations marking the anniversary will end with a ceremony at the Mont Febe Hotel, on December 20.