The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) last week held a public lecture on the impact of conflicts and human rights in the country.
Held on the theme, “the Importance of conflicts, human rights and peace studies in Present development discourse,” the lecture was delivered by Dr. Colm Thomas Cuanachain, a Senior Director, Amnesty International, at the Secretary General’s office in London.
He explained that there was the need for citizens to know their rights in order not to violate that of others to create peace and harmony.
“Put simply, everybody has a right to know their rights; and every state has an obligation to expose people to their rights. Human rights are a means and an end. Yes it is very important that children learn about the various rights they have, as ends in themselves. It is important that people know there is a right to water and sanitation, that there is a right to organise freely, a right to have a family. It is even more important that we learn through experiencing a human rights approach, as a means.”
“If people are treated in a respectful way, they will learn to respect. When citizens learn about human rights in an environment where their rights are respected and protected, we are more likely to have peace and harmony. The experience of living in rights respecting societies contributes positively to the realization of justice and peace,” he added.
He further cited activities of militant groups in neighboring countries including Ivory Coast, Boko Haram in Nigeria and al Qaeda acts in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali which he said were part of human right violations.
“Across the region, we are seeing governments struggling to maintain peace and the rule of law. And in some cases we have seen states presiding over human rights violations through failures of commission or omission.”
Dr. Colm Thomas Cuanachain also called for an academic centre focused on peace and conflict resolution in the West African sub-region.
“Having an academic centre of excellence focused on peace, conflict resolution and human rights is very welcome in West Africa. We will see students from the Centre working on conflict resolution all around the globe I am sure, but we can be confident that much of the research and activities that graduates work on will be much needed and of considerable benefit in ECOWAS countries,” he added.
In his welcome address which was read on his behalf by Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah, Deputy Registrar, Academic Affairs, The Registrar at UEW Dr. C.Y. Akwaa-Mensah said the lecture was a milestone in the history of the University.
“This lecture also marks an important milestone in the life of the newly created Centre for Conflicts, Human Rights and Peace Studies based at the Faculty of Social Science and for that matter the university.”
The Registrar also urged the all stakeholders involved in “the security services and other relevant bodies to put their shoulder to the wheel to drive Centre for Conflicts, Human Rights and Peace Studies towards achieving its objectives.” for which it was established.
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