Let's Respect Each Other's Rights

Monitor Editor | Monday December 10, 2018 11:12

The Universal Human Rights Declaration proclaims the inalienable rights, which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, nation or social origin, property, birth or other status. Human rights are relevant to all of us on a daily basis, hence the need for governments to ensure that these rights are protected, and respected. The society too has a role to play, in making sure that governments are held accountable for all their actions, including protection of the rights of all its citizens. While, commemorations are usually a one-day affair, some subject matters are too important to be remembered for a day only, and then swept under the rug to wait for another year. There is a need for extensive education at different levels of the society on the subject of human rights. Increased usage of platforms such as the internet and social media, have brought about good opportunities, while at the same time creating a headache emanating from abuse and/or irresponsible use of the otherwise useful and helpful platform.

The internet offers those with access the opportunity to further their knowledge on a variety of issues at the touch of a button, but amazingly, some segments of the society, use this very platform to trample on other people’s rights.  Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression”, a right, that should be protected to be enjoyed by each and every citizen, but certain trends of abuse and misuse, continue to emerge.

This important right, supposed to be enjoyed by all humans equally, has been abused and misused by some segments of the society, which sometimes leads to interference, in terms of other people enjoying their rights. Some people use it to spread hate speech about religion, race, tribe, nation etc, while others insult and disrespect other members of the society, and ignorantly shout that they are exercising their right to freedom of speech. The Monitor recently came across offensive posts in a certain Facebook group page, ultimately the administrators had to warn its members that those who continue to post insulting messages, directed towards The First Lady would be blocked.  Some members presenting shallow arguments tried to argue that the group will be violating their freedom of expression, but what about the individual they are insulting? Doesn’t that person have rights too?