By: John Kariuki
Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Amolo Odinga and who is Africa’s frontline Candidate for the African Union Chairmanship, has underscored the fact that he will defend human rights and access to justice for all once he clinches the prestigious seat. Addressing the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi on Saturday, Raila noted:
“We cannot, and must not, sacrifice the rights and dignity of our people at the altar of security. Instead, we must strive for a balanced approach that ensures the safety of our citizens while upholding their inherent rights and freedoms.
As I seek to become the Chair of the African Union, given the opportunity, I pledge to lead with integrity, compassion and a steadfast commitment to advancing the twin objectives of human rights and counter-terrorism.
I will work tirelessly to strengthen the capacity of our member states to combat terrorism through coordinated efforts, intelligence sharing and targeted interventions. Simultaneously, I intend to champion initiatives that promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, foster inclusivity and empower our citizens to become agents of positive change in their communities.”
Mr. Odinga added, “The struggle for promoting human rights while countering terrorism is no mean task to be achieved by any one individual. It must be a collective effort. I call upon each and every one of you, representatives of civil society organizations from across the continent, to join hands with the UN, states, the AU and all of us in this noble endeavor. Your voices are powerful catalysts for change, your advocacy indispensable in shaping policies that reflect the aspirations and values of the African people.
Together, let us forge a path towards a safer, more just and prosperous Africa for all.
In closing, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of our forebears, the courage of those who have dared to dream and the collective strength of our diversity. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but I am confident that with unity, determination and an unwavering commitment to our shared values, we shall prevail.
With these remarks, I declare the conference open as I also welcome you to Nairobi and our country Kenya.”
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