MDDT as a Human Right watchdog
The human rights-based approach to development remains a standard which the Movement for Democracy, Development and Transparency (MDDT) ascribes to in its commitment to realize its mission.
The interdependence and indivisibility of civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights, have been a strong consideration in the design and implementation of MDDT’s mission.
Despite the challenge that is related to the enforceability of economic, social and cultural rights, MDDT is determined to drive economic empowerment amongst youths as a favourable standard for the pursuit of civil and political rights.
Promotion
Human rights awareness is the first crucial component for the enjoyment of rights. Since ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense which an accused person can avail himself/herself to, the task of bringing the law to the citizens and even practitioners is a duty which MDDT considers as important and sacred cornerstones for creating access to justice.
The promotion of Human Rights therefore entails strategies to disseminate human rights treaties and their national ramifications as well as creating space for the progressive comprehension of both international and national human rights instruments.
Human rights awareness is the first crucial component for the enjoyment of rights. Since ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defence which an accused person can avail himself/herself to, the task of bringing the law to the citizens and even practitioners is a duty that MDDT considers as important and sacred cornerstones for creating access to justice.
The promotion of Human Rights, therefore, entails strategies to disseminate human rights treaties and their national ramifications as well as creating space for the progressive comprehension of both international and national human rights instruments.
The role of promotion is fundamental and compelling because effective protection relies on the gains of human rights promotion.
MDDT engages in the following promotional activities;
- Creation of human rights hubs in universities
- Legal literacy programs on Human Rights in local communities
- Documentation and dissemination of Human Rights instruments to local communities
- Training/Workshops on Human Rights
Protection
Guaranteeing the protection of Human Rights is key for the enjoyment of rights. Protection plays a critical role in addressing human rights violations and responding to the challenges that often leaves citizens and residents structurally disempowered. MDDT is keen on improving the gap between human rights standards and their enjoyment. In this connection MDDT dwells on universal protection for all categories of citizens especially the vulnerable and the physically challenged, ensuring that victims enjoy the right to a remedy while facilitating access to justice through the following measures;
- MDDT ensures that the rule of law is respected through advocacy and legal protective measures;
- MDDT constitutes a legal team of lawyers in charge of the implementation of its protection program.
- MDDT facilitates access to justice through an operational legal clinic, providing assistance to pre-trial detainees and effective rehabilitation programs for ex-convicts
