Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab says Namibia's commitment to human rights is anchored on the principles of the rule of law, justice, and human dignity.

Dausab shared this at the 6th Annual Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Summit underway in Windhoek.

Namibia's policy framework strongly cements press freedom and political activity and creates a conducive environment for civil society to engage robustly with the government.

Dausab was, however, quick to concede that Namibia faces some challenges in the human rights area, saying these could potentially blot Namibia's impeccable human rights record. 

"To be a human rights defender, it means dedication, sacrifice, and to sustain, even at the expense of family, friends, and even foe."

The minister, while encouraging human rights defenders to be fearless and quick to forgive, reminded them to be cognizant of the language and text used to articulate human rights issues.

Martha Wangari Karua is Kenya's former Minister of Justice, and she pointed out that human rights defenders face danger and daily challenges, but according to her, unity of purpose could ease those challenges.

"Our leaders do not like to be outed; they like to keep things hash-hash, so maybe I begin by saying we have to come up with innovative ways; we must challenge ourselves to come up with innovative ways, where with a click of a button we can demonstrate, where we can make the act, the violations come to life and be known worldwide, and shame the people doing such acts."

The former minister, who is also a human rights defender, stated that while many countries have well-articulated constitutions, authorities in these countries often clamp down heavy-handedly when human rights defenders hold demonstrations, among others.

"In Kenya, during a recent protest in August by the opposition, about 50 people were killed. In the course of stopping the demonstration, teargas is enough; when you release teargas, people can already not breathe. Why would you then shoot to kill? It is not only about Kenya; this is becoming a trend in many countries on our continent."

Human rights defenders from SADC and other African countries are in Windhoek to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.