As the world commemorates International Human Rights Day,Cameroonian Global Peace Champion,Omam Esther Eringo Cha Ekombo, has issued a powerful message urging leaders and communities to move beyond promises and ensure that human rights become a lived reality for all.
Speaking under this year’s theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” Omam Esther emphasized that human rights are not abstract declarations reserved for international platforms, but the fundamental conditions that allow people to live with dignity, safety, and hope.She highlighted that in communities grappling with conflict, displacement, and structural inequalities, these basic rights are defended daily—often at significant personal risk.
“From the protection of women and girls, to the safety of children in classrooms, to the freedom of civil society actors and humanitarian workers, human rights begin at the doorsteps of our communities,” she noted.
Omam Esther expressed concern over the increasingly restricted civic space both globally and locally. She underscored that human rights defenders, peacebuilders, and frontline workers continue to operate under pressure, with limited protection despite the vital role they play in sustaining peace and accountability.
“Their courage sustains the foundations of peace, and protecting them is essential for stability and lasting reconciliation,”she stressed.
Calling for renewed commitment, she urged institutions, governments, and communities to uphold the core values that unify humanity—dignity, justice, equality, and peace.
She appealed for a shift “from promises to protection, from declarations to implementation, and from silence to solidarity.”*The Global Peace Champion concluded with a reminder that human rights must not remain privileged aspirations for a few, but should become daily realities for all.“Humanity must win. And it begins with each of us,” she affirmed.
The message comes as the international community reflects on progress and persistent challenges in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
