The government has reiterated its commitment to respect and protect the rights of all people and their dignity.

The Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila reaffirmed this at the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day and Namibia Women's Day at Rundu.

The Primier said in order to strengthen the effort to end human rights violations, the government has adopted laws and policies.  

"Chapter three of our constitution guarantees fundamental human rights and freedom, the government has adopted laws and policies which remove any kind of discrimination, this includes the affirmative action act which promotes equal opportunities at work, implementation of this act has resulted in the public service, now consisting of 98% of government workers being those who were previously disadvantaged."

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stated that 58% of civil servants are women, of which 42% are in managerial positions.

She says the government has adopted a national gender policy and national plan of action on GBV, through the Combating of Rape and Domestic Violence Acts, to protect human rights.

"I call upon all of us to continue working together in this regard until we end this evil act of abusing our women and children."

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says if women are financially empowered, they will not stay in abusive relationships.

This year's International Human Rights Day was commemorated under the theme "Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all."