Former Independent Senator and Presbyterian Minister Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh says T&T’s denial of basic human rights is alarming.
His comments came as the world celebrated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, following the Second World War.
“As the world joins in the observance of the United Nations’ International Human Rights’ Day, the spirit of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains relevant and significant,” Teelucksingh said.
However, he said T&T is in breach of several articles of the Human Rights Charter.
“Our denial of basic human rights is alarming,” Teelucksingh said, adding that too many children are being denied their basic rights.
He made reference to the recent report of the Children’s Authority where almost 6,000 cases of child abuse including sexual offences, physical injuries, neglected children and abandoned babies were reported in 2017.
“In our society, this may be the tip of the iceberg as several cases may go unreported,” Teelucksingh said.
He questioned: “Do shoppers and merchants have rights since both suffer through regular robberies at grocery stores and malls? Limers and party-goers are sometimes denied the right to recreation by criminal invasions; What of the rights of senior citizens? Violence and sexual offences against girls and women- what of their rights and freedoms which are denied regularly.”
He also added: “Impassable roadways, water shortages, denial of basic social services are sometimes noticed only when logs or tyres are ignited. It is endemic. It may not be condoned. But, basic rights are denied, and voices are ignored.”
The former Senator said a campaign to promote human rights in T&T can be energised at the level of “I- You” relationships.
“That interpersonal encounter can establish the basis in recognition of the other person’s humanity and the awakening of mutual respect. The home, school and neighbourhood constitute the essential matrix in fostering the principles and promotion of human rights,” he explained.
He noted that the “essence of the Christmas story is in the humanity of Jesus Christ in which the value and the nobility of the human person is given its highest honour.”