No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights: No 30 is what we need most
Each time I recall that the same red blood runs in all mankind, I get lost thinking why there is so much inhumanity in the world. Of all that make us one, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations seems to sum it up in her 30 points. Of these; the last strikes me as most needed in Nigeria or this part of the world now. It says that “No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights”.
It opens with a public announcement of a logical universal negative that leaves no one above the rod of correction. When interpreted mildly it recognizes class, creed and tribes but ties them up with an inalienable status that makes them equal before the Law. No exception.
This imposition of order is not if at all, too far from natural provisions for coexistence among mankind since time immemorial (and has equally dispensed justice and punishment) but putting it into practice has been the bane of our upheaval. If critically analyzed, it sounds like a warning not to humane leaders but brute and yet a reminder to those of us- the weaklings and down trodden to wake up and take action.
It tells the man on the ground and the widow on the street to look up the post and read aloud the divine inscription to his captor. We know that some forms of tyranny exist in want of excuse by those who bend the rule but not often where everyone knows his rights. Of course, according to Hugo Grotus “it is possible to implore every means necessary but none will be favourable to tyrants”.
A thematic analysis of the thirtieth number in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the U.N may have it sub divided into two fields; the subject and the object. “No one” as the subject, means that irrespective of political peculiarities of independent countries, judiciary system or foreign policy objectives every one on mother earth is bound together by the sanctity of life.
It incorporates all other rights often abused on the pretext of non practicability. I learnt years ago from my language teacher that it is not what said but how said that matters. In other words if we are told that “We Are All Born Free and Equal” it sounds ideal, so beautiful but compliance to this may be a challenge in a corrupt society like ours without a follow up warning that “No one” can take that away from us. The object in the statement serves as a law that cannot be amended no matter the circumstance. It says that we are born with certain rights spelt out in twenty nine points running and caped up on the thirtieth by informing us that these biologically ascribed attributes cannot be taken away. Emphasis on human rights therefore, is not on the object of thought but those for whom it is meant- Man.
If by nature or civilization we are socially different from animals those things which make us unique must never be compromised on the basis of gender, belief, knowledge and other variables that have failed the test of time. Another aspect of the thirtieth edict is its educative nature. The appeal falls on that learning board of all times- the human heart. Written in warning tone and for everyone to see. There is an acknowledgement of possible abuse where purpose is not known by the uninformed mind, a corrupt politician, the bigot, the blind fanatics and more. If these could see the sign post they must of necessity, impressed on them by law buy into all other provisions.
Societal dictates in modern World should not only provide laws but awareness must be designed to ensure obedience by all. People must know they have a right before they can exercise it. The consciousness campaigns too have to be inline with appreciable basic education standard and tools for everyone to learn, interpret and transfer to even an illiterate! This is the only way we can achieve sustainability once there is an unbroken chain. However, ignorance has remained the gap that all unscrupulous leaders explore. This is even worse in rural communities and inner towns with no access to basic literacy, information and other socio-economic amenities. In these areas mortality rate is high, crime is rife and jungle justice prevails, prostitution is a welcome option in the absence of decent employment.
Life provides us with alternatives even from the garden. If the system we run can be responsible enough to manage our resources as duty bearers, knowing they are accountable to us the right holders in such a manner that guarantees fairness to all, the human rights challenge will be over soon in Nigeria. To achieve this feat requires a drastic shift from the old order. It demands a reform in our political system to embrace popular democracy and public participation in governance where the peasants and noble must know they have a right to securities and the pursuit of happiness.