Every year on December 10, the world comes together to commemorate International Human Rights Day, a moment to reaffirm the universal values of dignity, equality, and freedom for all. In this spirit, Thriving Inclusive Community Organization (TICO), in partnership with HDI and other key stakeholders, joined the global community to celebrate International Human Rights Day 2025.
This year’s commemoration was held under the United Nations theme “Our Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” highlighting the fact that human rights are not abstract ideals, but practical necessities that shape people’s daily lives. The celebration also marked the closing of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and reinforced advocacy for safe and inclusive workplaces in line with ILO Convention 190 (C190).
In his opening remarks, TICO’s Executive Director, Egide Habinshuti, reaffirmed the organization’s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, with a particular focus on ending gender-based violence. He emphasized that workplaces must be spaces of safety, respect, and dignity for everyone, free from violence and harassment.
Highlighting the importance of ILO Convention 190, he stressed that international standards must go beyond policy commitments and be implemented in practice. “They must be translated into action to ensure safe, inclusive, and dignified workplaces, and to prevent violence and harassment, in line with international human rights standards and ILO C190,” he noted.
The Executive Director further underscored how inequality continues to undermine social justice and human rights. He observed that the interconnected nature of inequalities means that some groups consistently face limited opportunities compared to others, which in turn weakens social cohesion and development. “Inequalities can also have a negative impact on almost all in society,” he added, calling for sustained and collective efforts to address these structural challenges.
The event was graced by Her Excellency Julie Crowley, High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda, who served as the Guest of Honor. In her address, she emphasized that human rights must be realized in people’s daily lives, not only enshrined in laws or policies. She highlighted that dignity, safety, and respect for all can only be achieved through concrete actions, accountability, and strong partnerships that translate commitments into meaningful impact.
The High Commissioner further reminded participants that human rights are not abstract principles but everyday essentials that shape people’s lived experiences. She underscored Canada’s continued leadership in promoting international human rights standards, including the adoption of ILO Convention 190, which aims to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work and promote safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces for everyone.
During this year’s International Human Rights Day celebration, TICO convened a powerful open panel discussion that brought together civil society actors, development partners, and community members under the theme “Implementing ILO Convention 190 for Vulnerable Youth Inclusion.”
The discussion emphasized the urgent need to move beyond policy frameworks and ensure the effective implementation of ILO C190to protect vulnerable youth from gender-based violence (GBV), violence, and harassment in both workplaces and communities.
Panelists shared lived experiences, challenges, and success stories, underscoring that meaningful progress requires strong collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities. policies alone are not enough—lasting impact is achieved when commitments are translated into action.
As TICO and its partners move forward, the organization remains committed to promoting human rights, ending GBV, and advancing the implementation of ILO C190, ensuring that human rights are realized as everyday essentials for all.
