Military Speech For International Humanitarian Law.
History tells us that the most advanced societies are those that have had a healthy respect for human rights. From the ancient Greeks to Europe’s Renaissance, progess was built on creativity, openness and respect for the individual. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what commemorating today. The milestone achieved in 1948 that established a covenant to protect human rights.
Toda’s commemoration should focus our attention on those whom we sworn to serve and protect- that is our people. This declaration has redefined for them and for the societies in which they lived, our human dignity as a non negotiable birthright for all and not just a few.
The chalenges we have had to overcome for the cause of human rights have not been easy. We grew up in an era where human rights were often violated. We know more than anyone that the blatant disregard of liberties will only bring us further into the dark. This is why we are here today to reaffirm our solid stand and adherence to the observance of the InternationalHumanitarian Law. In contrast to the dark era that once engulfed us. We are now making certain that our commitment to the protection of human rights do not remain paper premises because we have now an Armed Forces that is indeed serious about Human Rights.
As you probably know, our Armed Forces has established a Human Rights office which serves as the main platform for addressing all human rights and International Humantarian Law issues involving our Armed Forces. For the past many years, our people have seen our Armed Forces as one of the many organizations who violates the rights of many citizens. The people have clamored for an Armed Forces that is trustworthy and transparent in its actions, and now we are taking significant steps toward fulfilling that promise to them. Violators of Human Rights will be held accountable for their actions.
Let this be a concrete example of how our Armed Forces is working to build a country where the law protects everyone equally. The culture of silence, injustice, and impunity that once reigned in now a thing of the past.
by: ISPN
