Coalition of NGOs Associated with UN commemorates Human Rights Day 2025 with Civil Society Conference

Ghana has commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day with a landmark National Civil Society Conference held at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Auditorium in Accra  on Wednesday December 10, 2025.

The high-level gathering placed civil society at the center of national and global discourse on accountability, inclusion, and the protection of human dignity in an increasingly complex world.

Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), underscored the universality of human dignity.

He called on Ghanaians to reject all forms of discrimination, defend fundamental freedoms, and uphold interfaith harmony as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Speaking on gender justice, Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, warned that persistent inequalities continue to undermine Ghana’s human rights progress.

She urged stronger national commitment to gender equality, calling on policymakers to reinforce law enforcement mechanisms, expand women’s leadership opportunities, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen family systems as a foundational pillar of human rights protection.

Dr. Dwamena emphasized that investing in women is an investment in society as a whole, noting that women shoulder the greatest burden of unpaid care and domestic labour while contributing disproportionately to national development.

The conference convened diplomats, civil society leaders, women’s rights advocates, academics, and youth groups from across the country, united in reaffirming the indispensable role of civic actors in safeguarding human rights and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Organised by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, the conference placed strong emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development as essential pillars of sustainable development and democratic governance.

Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN DGC, described civil society as “the lifeblood of global cooperation,” stressing the indispensable role of non-state actors in holding governments accountable.

“Civil society is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance,” she stated. “Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials.”

She further called for deeper collaboration among NGOs, government institutions, and the UN system to address pressing social challenges, particularly those affecting women, children, and young people.

Providing a strong regional and continental perspective, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Executive Director of EIB Network, emphasized the urgent need for greater investment in women’s participation across all sectors.

“For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and shape decisions that influence our economies, communities, and governance,” she said. “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative.”

One of the most compelling interventions came from Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), who positioned young people at the heart of the human rights and sustainable development agenda.

He stressed that meaningful youth participation is not optional but “a development imperative in an era defined by climate threats, conflict, unemployment, digital risks, and shrinking civic spaces.”

Dr. Wemakor noted that no country can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without empowering its youth, who constitute the largest demographic in Ghana and across much of Africa.

Speaking also as Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform, on the topic “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and SDGs,” he outlined key challenges facing Ghanaian youth, including limited involvement in policymaking, rising unemployment, digital misinformation, and increasing vulnerability to drug abuse, violence, and radicalization.

Highlighting the impact of HRRG’s work, Dr. Wemakor cited initiatives such as the KTT Campaign, which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues including kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.

“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,” he stated.

He called on government, civil society, and the UN system to adopt a bold, youth-centered agenda by institutionalizing youth participation, protecting civic freedoms, investing in innovation and digital literacy, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing marginalized youth.

“Youth leadership is the engine of national progress. Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and opportunities for the next generation,” he concluded.