Speech by Ambassador Marchel GERRMANN on the Commemoration of the International Human Rights Day

 COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

 8^th December, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am honoured to make a statement on the occasion of International Human Rights Day which marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year also marks the launch of a year-long campaign 'Stand up for Human Rights' in the lead up to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2018.

First, let me start by highlighting the importance that the European Union attaches to the protection of human rights. The European Union, since its inception, has made the protection of human rights not only the foundation of our common internal and external policies, but of our Union itself. We view all human rights as universal, indivisible and interdependent, with no difference between civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Let me say that again. All human rights stand on an equal footing and we make no distinction between them.

Now, let me also acknowledge that these are not easy times for human rights. As the High Representative and Vice President, Ms Federica Mogherini, stated last Tuesday during the 19^th EU-NGO Human Rights Forum in Brussels, the European Union is 'feeling a bit alone, because the number of players in the global scene that are investing in human rights is shrinking itself. […] Some countries have withdrawn from the International Criminal Court, others are questioning the Council of Europe and the very idea of a continental system to watch over human rights.' But let me be clear about this, and again quoting Ms Mogherini, 'when one person's rights are abused, we are all less safe and secure. A society where human rights are not guaranteed is more fragile, less resilient and an easier target for radicalisation.'

And so, this is why as the European Union will always reaffirm its commitment to protect and promote the universality of human rights whenever they are violated or questioned, wherever it may be.

Now let me turn to how the European Union supports Human Rights in Malawi. As a starting point, allow me to say that we have supported and continue to support the Malawi Human Rights Commission in our Governance Programmes. Let me highlight here some of the work undertaken by the Commission with the support of the EU: the Commission conducted public inquiries on the human rights situation of people with albinism including an in-depth assessment of the nature and extent of the violations. Findings from the inquiries have enabled the Government of Malawi to draw appropriate strategies to better protect people with albinism. We are also supporting the on spot investigations on violation of Human Rights in different sectors. With our support under the 11^th EDF Chilungamo Programme, the Malawi Human Rights Commission will oversee the implementation of the Access to Information Act as part of the accountability framework.

But this is not all. In addition, the European Union supports civil society organizations working at the grassroots level to protect human rights. We are currently financing projects on better inclusion of people with disabilities in the Malawian society, projects promoting gender equality and fight against child marriage and on improvement of living conditions for prisoners, among others. Let me congratulate here those CSOs that do a great job on the ground helping the most vulnerable groups.

Allow me to add that alongside operational projects, the European Union and its Member States are also engaged in continuous political and policy dialogue with the Government in order to discuss issues related to human rights. With continued commitment and fruitful partnerships at all levels, Malawi can develop better and faster. It should be remembered that only inclusive societies are able to reach their full developmental potential and the EU is honoured to work with Malawi for this common goal.

And as a conclusion, I would like to say a word about the theme chosen for this event, Our Rights, Our Freedom always, a very fitting theme indeed. Accountability plays a crucial role in enhancing service delivery and in ensuring that a country's resources are used and governed effectively. When citizens are able to ask questions and demand answers regarding their rights – asking what resources their governments have, how they intend to use them, how they have used them, and with what results – they can successfully advocate for a sound use of resources and better goods and services. In our view, accountability is absolutely key for sustainable country-owned progress on poverty reduction.

In this regard, I am looking forward to hearing about the conclusions of this event on access to different economic and social rights, because I believe that a number of Human rights challenges could be tackled through the strengthening of domestic accountability.

Let me end with a word of recognition as today we conclude the annual international campaign ’16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence’. The European Union is committed to contribute to build a society free from violence for all women and girls around Malawi. Our shared vision can only be accomplished with the equal participation of women, men, girls, and boys. Working to end gender-based violence is not someone else’s job. It is everyone’s responsibility and at the core of EU’s commitment in Malawi and elsewhere.

I would once again like to thank the organisers of the event and we look forward to a further improvement in this sphere as we look forward to a momentous anniversary next year, the 70^th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Thanks You.