Science and Policy in the Protection of Human Rights. ASDPN’s Executive Director Writes on World Human Right Day.

Human right is inalienable and fundamental to the existence of every person, whether it is the right to food, the right to health, right to information, right to education, or the right to a healthy environment. In all these science and policy plays a vital role. Access to energy for example constitutes a vital gateway to the attainment of all the other rights already enumerated. However, it is fundamental that such energy sources remain sustainable as unsustainable source will rather strain access to food, healthy environment, health and other fundamental right due to its effects on climate.

Also, mindful of the unfortunate circumstances of conflicts on the African continent and the subsequent many and major challenges posed to vulnerable populations, mindful of the fact that state and non-state armed groups are parties to the atrocities committed against civilian populations, the role of science and policy in contributing to uphold human right is incontestable.

 Science provides accurate means for documenting sexual violence especially against women and girls, as well as in ensuring justice in cases of enforced disappearances for persons who end up in mass graves. In all these, Clinical Forensic Medicine, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Archeology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Radiology, Forensic Photography, Forensic Genetics tend to play a vital role in ensuring human rights are protected. 

On the occasion of the World Human Right Day, we must remember that “a threat to human rights anywhere is a threat to human rights everywhere”. Let us rise up to injustices as one people.