Agbor Balla Urges Renewed Global Commitment on International Human Rights Day

Agbor Balla, Prominent Cameroonian Human Rights Advocate.

On this year’s International Human Rights Day, celebrated under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” prominent Cameroonian human rights advocate Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla delivered a compelling message urging the global community to reinforce its commitment to protecting human dignity and freedoms.

Barrister Agbor Balla, President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), has long been recognized as one of the most influential voices defending civil liberties across the continent. 

His advocacy spanning legal reform, humanitarian support, and the defence of vulnerable communities has consistently placed him at the forefront of human rights discourse both in Cameroon and internationally.

In his address marking International Human Rights Day 2025, Agbor Balla emphasized that human rights are “not privileges granted by power,” but intrinsic to every individual. 

He described them as “everyday essentials as fundamental as the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the voice we use to speak truth.”

     ABS Wednesday December 10, 2025.

His message comes at a time when global rights violations continue to raise concerns. Conflicts, political repression, digital surveillance, and tightening civic spaces have negatively impacted millions worldwide. Human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors increasingly face intimidation, arbitrary detention, and violence for speaking out.

The civic rights advocate highlighted these challenges, noting that “across the world, millions still suffer discrimination, violence, and the denial of basic rights. Many are silenced for simply demanding justice.” He saluted the resilience of rights defenders who continue their work despite significant personal risk.

Reaffirming a collective global responsibility, he outlined a series of commitments that he believes should guide governments, institutions, and ordinary citizens alike. Standing with oppressed and vulnerable communities, defending freedom of expression and civic space, promoting justice, equality, and peace, and ensuring that all individuals enjoy their rights without fear

Agbor Balla concluded with a reminder that human rights are universal and non-negotiable, urging societies to protect them “boldly and without hesitation.”