THE Constitution of our Third Republic states: We inhabit one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its expressions and provisions are modern and far-reaching, compared to Supreme Law documents in many other developing states. And its PREAMBLE makes it very clear that inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all members of the human family constitute the most important component of our Supreme Law. However, there does not appear to be enough emphasis on the high relevance and value of the practice of respect for human dignity, rights and freedoms. At the launching of the EU-sponsored human rights awareness and sensitization programme on 28th April at the Police Academy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs rightly pointed out the significance of daily practice of respect by all human beings. In addition to such great beauty our islands enjoy, it should be an objective for all of us to nurture as much internal beauty as possible – in our minds, our hearts and conscience – through daily demonstration of true love and genuine respect to ourselves and others, from top to bottom.
Our Constitution: Voice of our Nation? Is this suppose to mean that throughout 2008 we are expected to just read, talk or continue complaining against bad practices, abuses and violations? Five months after declaration of the national theme, we have seen staged shows and reports on verbal interactions. Nothing yet about practical application and how as ordinary citizens we can more intelligently and more effectively exercise our rights, ensure protection and defense of our dignity, rights and freedoms. And very importantly, to seek remedial action against abuses and violations. Hopefully, these are areas which the EU supported programme on human rights in our country will address.
It is essentially about as much knowledge and understanding as possible through awareness, sensitization, lifelong education, capacity and skills development for constructive and positive actions or initiatives. Paving the way for personal integrity, self-respect, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-discipline and control, as well as practical respect for other members of the human family, irrespective of race, conscience, social status, sex, political views or affiliations. Citizens empowerment is also about seriousness, honesty, sincerity, responsibility, accountability, transparency and personal commitment in whatever roles we have to play in the sustainable development of our families, communities, nation and the rest of humanity.
Citizens empowerment is now being focussed as highly essential for fighting against poverty and inequality. In his 2006 Human Rights Day message the former Commonwealth Secretary General stated: “Each of us possesses an instinct for what is just. The global commitment to ‘make poverty history’ is not made simply out of charity or pity. Tackling poverty is not only an urgent economic or development imperative: it is more fundamental and compelling…It is a question of human rights and justice, and making real the inherent dignity and worth of every human person…..wherever there is denial of basic human rights, there is poverty”.
Due attention was given to the importance of above-mentioned expressions at the recent SADC International Conference and Summit on Poverty and Development in Mauritius, a neighbouring island-State that is already implementing a fairly comprehensive national empowerment programme. One practical measure to positively deal with growing poverty threats, with very interesting projects for vulnerable groups, and an open door for ordinary citizens to push forward their aspirations through personal or partnership initiatives.
Access to quality information leads to solid knowledge, capacity and skills, lifelong education, positive/sustainable living and development. Clause (1) Article 28 of Constitution provides for right of access of every person to information relating to that person and held by a public authority which is performing a governmental function and the right to have the information rectified or otherwise amended, if inaccurate. This provision is widely appreciated, but what about useful, accurate information held by other sources?
Clause (2) of the same Article calls for special attention. It makes provision to limit the application of Clause (1). There have been several instances where citizens have felt denial of their right of access to information permitted under this very same Article. In certain cases such information had to do with citizens whose ‘right to life’ were being seriously threatened or had been violated in rather obscure circumstances, in a democratic society. It is widely believed that right of access to accurate information remains one of the most frequent human rights violations in our country. Here is an opportunity for our state to seriously consider the absolute necessity to put in place frameworks and mechanisms to ensure that all citizens in all our islands can have access to any kind of information that can contribute to personal safety and human security, also to sustainable living and development.
There is strong indication that our EU-sponsored Human Rights project resulted from a condition imposed by the European Union on our state if we are to benefit from future EU aid programmes. This has come about so many years after our government attempted to block several attempts to promote human rights principles, norms and standards in our country. Since 2001 there were so many calls and recommendations from local or visiting delegations - including African Human Rights Commission, election observers – for the creation of human rights and electoral commissions. Finally our government felt it necessary to bend down to European Union and Irish personalities. Until then human rights was taboo.
Seychelles current relationship with China is worth serious analysis. It is a fact that China was among the first to provide financial assistance to SPUP (precursor of SPPF) whilst struggling for national independence. In those days there were many connections with Taiwan as well, today an autonomous people with great respect and commitment to practical application of human rights principles, norms and standards. Our extreme reliance on China today leads us to hide the human rights realities of that country. Few weeks ago, for example, a human rights activist in China was incarcerated for three and half years. The very day world media was highlighting the case, Chinese ambassador was invited by our state media to talk to our nation about dissidents in Tibet. And more recently we have noticed the extent of Chinese friendship with Zimbabwe authorities, sponsoring arms to crush the freedom of Zimbabweans to freely choose their political leaders. Let us hope that the long-standing China-Seychelles political cooperation will never be allowed to get this far.
As the only civil society organization dealing with all aspects of human rights as a component of human development, state media has systematically deprived the general public access to information about the outcomes of most CEFRAD projects and activities. In 2007 as coordinating organization for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP movement), our government and state media showed no respect all to relevance and importance of activities organized by CEFRAD with other non-state partners. On the other hand SBC was always ready to disseminate information about other state or non-state programmes or activities taking place simultaneously. We know wherefrom came the instructions for SBC personnel to exercise such kind of discrimination.
Security clearance has been and remains a rather frequent discriminatory practice by government. Other forms of discrimination include racial and political, HIV-AIDS stigmatization, favouritism between Seychellois nationals and foreigners. A very clear case of discrimination in favour of foreigners was recent appointment with National Assembly endorsement of an Indian national as Ambassador-at-large for Seychelles. Former President Mancham had also been proposed as a candidate, but our Head-of-State and National Assembly leader simply decided to sidetrack his candidature. Irrespective of his image and feelings since he was overthrown in 1977, Sir James Mancham has during the last decade-and-half demonstrated unreserved commitment to preserving the image of our country and nation, especially with his slogan: Putting Seychelles First. It is hard for many of our citizens to understand how come a foreigner completely unknown to us can promote our national interest better than a devoted Seychellois who is well known and highly respected not just at home, but also in so many other countries? Does he also need security clearance? Opposition MNAs deserve congratulation for staying away from such devious course.
Corruption at high level is another channel for discrimination, very often with sad consequences for others with little or no influence. There is still an open door in our HR Charter for certain kinds of discriminatory practices. What legal mechanism is there to seek remedy against such kinds of human rights violations?
Almost ten years after it came into operation CEFRAD feels proud having significantly contributed, inspite of so many boycotts, to rally the conscience of our leaders, law enforcers, development actors, and the general public to the sense of Dignity and justice for all of us, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
CEFRAD Motto: For a True Partnership with The People,
Education – Empowerment – Respect – Support