International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2025 |11 December 2025

President Herminie

President Herminie pays tribute to human rights advocates

 “On this important occasion of International Human Rights Day, I would like to honour and recognise all

human rights advocates in our beautiful and peaceful country. The theme for this year, ‘Safeguarding

Human Dignity and Upholding the Rights of Every Citizen’, chosen by the Seychelles Human Rights

Commission, beautifully reflects our shared vision of a Seychelles where every individual's dignity is

protected, where systems genuinely serve the people, and where peace, trust, and human rights flourish.

This theme not only celebrates our progress but also emphasises our collective responsibility to ensure that

our institutions serve the people, protecting their rights, restoring trust, and fostering a society rooted in

fairness and justice.

“We recognise the vital role the Seychelles Human Rights Commission plays in upholding human rights,

and we are committed to leveraging its expertise and mandate more effectively in supporting processes and

addressing cases. This was strongly emphasised in our recent meeting, where we both expressed a shared

belief in strengthening the collaboration between the government and the Commission.

“As a government, we believe in our people, honouring their values and empowering them to shape and

transform our nation's future. We envision a society where institutions serve citizens, justice is accessible

and equitable, opportunities are available to all, and leadership is worthy of trust.

“Reorienting our institutions towards a modernised, community-based model rooted in human rights is

central to our efforts. Through this approach, we aim to foster a society where safety is a shared

achievement, and citizens feel connected, protected, and respected.

“Today also marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a vital

campaign emphasising the urgent need to eliminate violence and discrimination against women and girls.

While Seychelles has made significant progress in addressing gender-based violence, challenges still

remain. Data shows that violence against women persists, and societal attitudes continue to require

transformation. Our government denounces violence in all its forms, including acts against men and boys.

We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where gender equality is a reality,

and every individual can live free from violence and fear.

The United Nations has chosen ‘Our Everyday Essentials’ as the theme for this year’s Human Rights

Day celebration, serving as a reminder that human rights begin with each of us, through the choices we

make every day and our shared commitment to building a more just and compassionate world. Human

rights are not merely abstract ideals; they are realised when individuals act consciously and responsibly in

their decisions.

“Therefore, it is essential to foster an inclusive world where no one is left behind or subjected to violence

and discrimination based on their identity, whom they love, their appearance, or their beliefs. The

remarkable power of human rights lies in their status as one of the world's most transformative global

commitments, a solemn pledge to respect and uphold dignity in our daily lives.

“Happy Human Rights Day to all.”

Dr Patrick Herminie

President of the Republic of Seychelles