Buchanan: Human rights are ‘constitutional guarantees,’ not optional ideals
Toriann Ellis / Our Today
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In light of Human Rights Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 10, under the theme ‘Our Everyday Essentials,’ Isat Buchanan, Opposition Spokesperson on Youth and Human Rights, notes that the human rights of every Jamaican are constitutional guarantees, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
“Today, as Jamaica joins the global community in observing International Human Rights Day, we are reminded that the dignity, safety, and fundamental freedoms of every Jamaican are not optional ideals. They are constitutional guarantees,” Buchanan said.
The opposition spokesperson outlined that this year’s observance holds particular weight as Jamaica reflect on the lives lost and livelihoods disrupted by Hurricane Melissa, especially in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, St James, Manchester, Trelawny, St Ann, and among brothers and sisters in the east, including Portland, St Thomas, St Mary, Kingston and St Andrew, as well as all other affected parishes.
“My thoughts remain with every family who has suffered loss, displacement, or hardship because of this devastating Category 5 hurricane. Their pain speaks to an urgent truth. Natural disasters do not suspend human rights, and moments of crisis demand from the state its highest level of care, responsiveness, and accountability,” Buchanan said.
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