Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the institutional advances that have been made in the country thanks to the promotion and respect of human rights as the third axis of Dominican foreign policy, regarding the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day. Human Rights that is celebrated every December 10.
Through a press release, the Foreign Ministry highlighted that the anniversary in 2024 coincides with the first year of management of the Dominican Republic as a member of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (UN), a position in which the country has actively worked in favor of gender equality, the right to a clean and healthy environment, and the protection of the most vulnerable groups, among other aspects.
“Likewise, we have maintained the “pro homine” principle as an essential guide in all our decisions, always prioritizing the most favorable interpretation for the protection and promotion of people’s rights. This principle is an example of our commitment to a vision of human rights that places people at the center of our actions,” the institution highlighted.
MIREX added that this commitment has also been evidenced in the country’s ability to promote consensual positions at the multilateral level since, from its regional strategic position, it has defended peace, social cohesion and international solidarity.
At the national level, the Foreign Ministry added that thanks to the implementation of innovative methodologies such as the Institutional Performance Evaluation (EDI) and the SISMAP monitoring system, it has supported 45 public institutions in training and raising awareness on human rights and the principles of equity. , justice and human dignity.
“At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have assumed this commitment as a priority. Having reached second position in the EDI Ranking in 2023 reflects our dedication to institutional modernization and the professionalization of our diplomacy. These achievements are a concrete example that we are transforming principles into tangible actions and results,” the institution added in its press release.
This International Human Rights Day also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Interinstitutional Commission for Human Rights, a key body in the strengthening and promotion of fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic.
As president of this Commission, MIREX held an event in which representatives of the 36 public institutions that comprise it participated, as well as members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country and other institutions and personalities.
In this activity, some of the achievements of this Commission were highlighted, such as the creation of the National Plan on Human Rights (2018) and its extension 2028-2024; permanent contributions to human rights protection mechanisms, both the universal and inter-American systems; referral of progress on compliance with treaties; adoption of the Universal Periodic Review for four cycles; and participation in thematic hearings of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
“Our country and as established by our Constitution, is a social and democratic State of law, committed to human dignity, the protection of fundamental rights and the strengthening of its democratic institutions. For this reason, we strive to build a fair and inclusive society, where democracy is not only a system of government, but also an effective guarantee for respect for the human rights of all people,” MIREX concluded in the press release.
