10 December 2025 | State House.
On this important occasion of International Human Rights Day, I would like to honor and recognize all human rights advocates in our beautiful and peaceful country. The theme for this year, “Safeguarding Human Dignity and Upholding the Rights of Every Citizen,” chosen by the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, beautifully reflects our shared vision of a Seychelles where every individual's dignity is protected, where systems genuinely serve the people, and where peace, trust, and human rights flourish.
This theme not only celebrates our progress but also emphasizes our collective responsibility to ensure that our institutions serve the people, protecting their rights, restoring trust, and fostering a society rooted in fairness and justice.
We recognize the vital role the Seychelles Human Rights Commission plays in upholding human rights, and we are committed to leveraging its expertise and mandate more effectively in supporting processes and addressing cases. This was strongly emphasized in our recent meeting, where we both expressed a shared belief in strengthening the collaboration between the Government and the Commission.
As a government, we believe in our people, honoring their values and empowering them to shape and transform our nation's future. We envision a society where institutions serve citizens, justice is accessible and equitable, opportunities are available to all, and leadership is worthy of trust.
Reorienting our institutions towards a modernized, community-based model rooted in human rights is central to our efforts. Through this approach, we aim to foster a society where safety is a shared achievement, and citizens feel connected, protected, and respected.
Today also marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a vital campaign emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate violence and discrimination against women and girls. While Seychelles has made significant progress in addressing gender-based violence, challenges still remain. Data shows that violence against women persists, and societal attitudes continue to require transformation. Our government denounces violence in all its forms, including acts against men and boys. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where gender equality is a reality, and every individual can live free from violence and fear.
The United Nations has chosen “Our Everyday Essentials” as the theme for this year’s Human Rights Day celebration, serving as a reminder that human rights begin with each of us, through the choices we make every day and our shared commitment to building a more just and compassionate world. Human rights are not merely abstract ideals; they are realized when individuals act consciously and responsibly in their decisions.
Therefore, it is essential to foster an inclusive world where no one is left behind or subjected to violence and discrimination based on their identity, whom they love, their appearance, or their beliefs. The remarkable power of human rights lies in their status as one of the world's most transformative global commitments, a solemn pledge to respect and uphold dignity in our daily lives.
Happy Human Rights Day to all.
