ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Ali Mwinyi is expected to honour the climax of Ethics and Human Rights Day commemorations today, following a rescheduling of the global observance due to the government’s busy calendar.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman, during a media briefing at his office in Mazizini.
Dr Haroun said the celebrations will be held today, at the Zanzibar International Trade Fair Grounds at Dimani area, Unguja Magharibi ‘B’ District.
He described Ethics and Human Rights Day as a significant occasion that serves as a reminder to citizens and leaders of their responsibility to protect human dignity, uphold moral values and promote good governance, justice, equality, accountability and the fight against corruption.
ALSO READ: ZCL boosts cargo capacity with new equipment at Dar Port
The minister noted that the annual commemoration is guided by a specific theme, with this year’s theme being: “Proper use of digital systems strengthens good governance, accountability, integrity and human rights.”
According to Dr Haroun, the theme promotes the effective use of technology and digital systems in public service delivery to enhance transparency, reduce corruption risks and safeguard citizens’ rights in the era of rapid scientific and technological advancement.
He identified institutions responsible for ethics and human rights oversight in Zanzibar as the Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission, the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA), the Office of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), the Department of Good Governance and the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance.
“These institutions use the day to conduct various activities, including public education programmes aimed at strengthening ethics, accountability and good governance at all levels,” he said.
Dr Haroun added that thematic presentations will be delivered during the main event to broaden public understanding of rights and responsibilities in building a just and ethical society.
He stressed that the commemoration also provides an opportunity to assess progress made in protecting human rights and to develop strategies for addressing emerging challenges.
The minister urged citizens to follow the celebrations through various media platforms and called upon the media to actively cover the event to ensure wider public access to accurate information.
He recalled that on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, leading to the annual observance of International Human Rights Day