Human rights battle for councils
Although human rights are primarily the responsibility of the central government, local and regional authorities are vital to human rights protections in Namibia.
DENVER KISTING
WINDHOEK
Local and regional government structures play an essential role in the promotion and protection of human rights, says Panduleni Nghipandulwa, programme manager of the Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID). “The mandate of a local authority is to deliver basic services such as housing, water, electricity, sanitation and public transport,” he says. The responsibilities of regional councils, on the other hand, include providing educational and health services.
Regional councils are also responsible for job creation and development programmes in their regions, says Nghipandulwa.
“The services delivered by local and regional councils provide for residents' basic needs; therefore, they have an important role in promoting human rights on a local level.”
Nghipandulwa believes that although protection of human rights is primarily a function of the central government, promoting these rights on local and regional level would contribute significantly to establishing a prosperous society.
Quality of life
Graham Hopwood, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), agrees. “Sub-national authorities have a crucial role in ensuring basic service delivery, including providing water, sanitation, refuse removal, housing, town planning and development, emergency services, and markets.
“These services, if properly rendered, can make a significant difference in residents' quality of life.”
The constitution
Dr Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), this week said that local and regional councillors swear an oath to respect, protect and obey the constitution and all national laws. Therefore, he said, these councillors are responsible for ensuring the protection of all constitutional rights and freedoms, especially those described in Article 3 of the constitution.
Itula said all prospective councillors are required to understand and comply with their duties as stipulated by law. “This is of critical importance, so that our leaders can respect their duties in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights,” the opposition politician said.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Local and regional government structures play an essential role in the promotion and protection of human rights, says Panduleni Nghipandulwa, programme manager of the Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID). “The mandate of a local authority is to deliver basic services such as housing, water, electricity, sanitation and public transport,” he says. The responsibilities of regional councils, on the other hand, include providing educational and health services.
Regional councils are also responsible for job creation and development programmes in their regions, says Nghipandulwa.
“The services delivered by local and regional councils provide for residents' basic needs; therefore, they have an important role in promoting human rights on a local level.”
Nghipandulwa believes that although protection of human rights is primarily a function of the central government, promoting these rights on local and regional level would contribute significantly to establishing a prosperous society.
Quality of life
Graham Hopwood, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), agrees. “Sub-national authorities have a crucial role in ensuring basic service delivery, including providing water, sanitation, refuse removal, housing, town planning and development, emergency services, and markets.
“These services, if properly rendered, can make a significant difference in residents' quality of life.”
The constitution
Dr Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), this week said that local and regional councillors swear an oath to respect, protect and obey the constitution and all national laws. Therefore, he said, these councillors are responsible for ensuring the protection of all constitutional rights and freedoms, especially those described in Article 3 of the constitution.
Itula said all prospective councillors are required to understand and comply with their duties as stipulated by law. “This is of critical importance, so that our leaders can respect their duties in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights,” the opposition politician said.
[email protected]
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