The Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Ahmed Afif represented President Wavel Ramkalawan at the Human Rights Day Symposium organized by the Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC) held at the STC Conference Room, this morning.

The event was commemorating International Human Rights Day observed every year on 10 December – the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Delivering his remarks, Vice-President Afif pledged the government’s commitment and reaffirmed its will to uphold human rights as set out in Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles. 

He stressed on the obligations of all UN members states to protect human rights and prevent violations. He also paid tribute to President Ramkalawan other key entities in the country who in one way or another played a key role in advancing the quest for justice and human rights causes.

“In Seychelles we have had our own challenges. Our short history has shown us how Seychellois have been treated, their rights violated and their dignity shred by actions that many of us still cannot understand. Yet human dignity forms part of and is the fundamental basis of human rights. Much has come about through a tireless effort to bring change and to highlight the need to place human rights at the top of Government’s agenda. I pay tribute to the contribution of President Ramkalawan and his struggle over 30 years to bring greater justice and peace to Seychelles. I also thank the 6th National Assembly for passing in 2018, the law for a Human Rights Commission Act which in 2019 was brought to life through a commencement notice.

Rest assured that this Government WILL uphold the importance of human rights as set out in chapter 3 of our constitution".

“I note with pride the composition of the SHRC board through the chairmanship of Judge Renaud. I thank also all those in Seychelles past and present who have helped bring real change to Seychelles. I pay tribute also to TRNUC who today tirelessly work to bring healing to our small but deeply hurt nation” added Vice-President Afif.

The half-day symposium attended by representatives of key agencies and stakeholders, featured numerous themed presentations and plenary discussions surrounding the role and mandate of the SHRC and the subject of Human Rights in general.