International Human Rights Day 2025. Photo credit Unsplash
Accra, Ghana- The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa Office, has joined the global community to mark International Human Rights Day 2025, calling on governments across the continent to protect what it described as “everyday essentials” that sustain life and dignity.
The day, celebrated annually on December 10, marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This year’s theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” highlights that rights such as access to food, clean water, justice, education, and a safe environment are not distant ideals but part of daily human survival.
In a statement released in Accra, CHRI said worsening food insecurity, climate change, and illegal mining (galamsey) are destroying livelihoods and threatening fundamental rights in Ghana and across Africa.
The group warned that polluted rivers, deforestation, and unsafe working conditions have become major human rights concerns, pushing vulnerable communities especially farmers, fishers, women, and rural households deeper into poverty.
“When rivers are polluted, when fertile lands are destroyed, when communities lose their income sources, when information is withheld, and when justice becomes inaccessible, the fundamental rights of individuals and communities are violated,” the statement said. CHRI stressed that protecting these “everyday essentials” is not only an environmental or economic issue but a human rights imperative.
The human rights organization urged African governments to take stronger steps to restore public confidence and protect people’s rights. It called for tougher enforcement against illegal mining, pollution, and deforestation, greater access to justice for rural communities, transparency and proactive disclosure of public information, and integration of human rights into national development planning. CHRI also emphasized the need for regional cooperation on issues such as migration, environmental protection, and human rights reporting.
In its Ghana-specific appeal, CHRI urged the government to repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), arguing that the law threatens forest reserves and natural resources.
The group further called for an independent, high-level investigation into the illegal mining network, in line with recommendations from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The probe, it said, should identify and hold accountable the political, economic, and criminal actors involved in the practice, supported by anti-corruption safeguards and full public reporting.
Marking the 2025 Human Rights Day, CHRI urged citizens, institutions, and leaders to renew their commitment to protecting rights that guarantee dignity and survival.
“Only by upholding these rights can Africa build just, resilient, and inclusive societies where every individual lives in dignity and reaches their full potential,” the organization stated.
Read Also
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says Boankra Inland Port Phase One is 83% complete as government pushes concessionaire for earlier delivery.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Communications Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu involved in Bolgatanga–Tumu road accident; both stable.
Two students arrested over Eastern Region rape and stabbing incident; GES bans three senior high schools from sports activities for two years.
Speaker Alban Bagbin directs reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ bill and dual citizenship amendment as Parliament prepares for renewed debate.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu urges UTAG and senior staff to end strike action, citing GH¢396m paid toward Tier Two pension arrears.
President Mahama swears in APRM Governing Council as Ghana prepares for second-generation peer review at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
KNUST has confirmed the death of a second-year Agribusiness student after he reportedly fell from a hostel in Ayeduase. University authorities say police investigations are ongoing as counselling support is deployed for affected students.
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, providing legal backing for the NDC’s flagship policy aimed at job creation, industrial revival, and economic transformation.
Ghana’s Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh warns Parliament that rising food prices are pushing the cost of living beyond reach for ordinary households, urging urgent government action.
The Ghana Police Service has issued new guidelines on approved uniforms for private security operators, warning that any attire resembling state security uniforms is illegal and punishable by law.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explains in Parliament why Ghana’s 24-hour economy requires an authority to coordinate production, labour, and supply chains.
Parliament erupts in heated debate as MPs clash over the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, with sharp exchanges between Majority and Minority members.
President Mahama holds bilateral talks at Zambia’s State House, highlighting historic ties, economic reforms, mining cooperation, and strong diaspora relations.
President Mahama begins official visit to Zambia with visa waiver agreement allowing Ghanaians and Zambians to travel freely, alongside eight cooperation MoUs.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has defended government’s decision to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport amid public debate.
NIA introduces revised charges for Ghana Card registration and related services starting February 2, 2026, citing rising operational costs.
The court has discharged Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, and two others after the state withdrew charges. They were later re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission.
Ghana’s Health Minister says the Labour Exchange Programme will reduce the backlog of 80,000 unemployed health professionals as 130 workers depart for Antigua.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says the NPP is holding government accountable, defending its opposition to tax bills and recent actions in Parliament.
Accra commuters face long queues and hours-long waits as severe bus shortages hit major transport hubs including Circle, Kaneshie, Madina and Tema.
Adentan Circuit Court grants influencer “Ebo Noah” GH¢100k bail with two sureties following charges tied to a failed December 25 flood prophecy.
The IGP has promoted 35 police officers for their role in arresting suspects linked to the 2024 Adabraka gold robbery. Police cite professionalism and teamwork.