Assessing the functionality of traditional leaders in enhancing human rights protection

Abstract

This study was about an assessment on the functionality of traditional Leaders in enhancing Human Rights Protection in Kakomongole sub-county, Nakapiripirit district. The study objectives included; finding out how traditional leaders have helped in promoting respect for human dignity, establishing the mechanisms used by traditional leaders in enhancing sense of belonging, finding out the functions of traditional leaders towards promoting peaceful life. The study sampled 90 respondents out of a study population of 130 respondents. The respondents included; clan leaders, elders, community members, and Religious leaders. Study findings indicate how traditional leaders have helped in promoting human dignity; publicizing human dignity as a good practice, implementing legal actions, passing by-laws. Other existing human rights that are protected include the right to life, the right to work and the right to medical care and the various human rights abuses include; defilement, child trafficking, wife and husband battering. Mechanisms used by traditional leaders in enhancing sense of belonging include; sensitization, tight laws, and introducing tough punishments for culprits of human rights abuses. Other functions of traditional leaders in promoting peaceful living within their community include; forming peace advocacy groups, condemning cultural rigidity, reducing inferiority complex among women. It is recommended that there is need to observe, protect and promote human rights in communities through awareness creation, education and emphasizing human rights laws in communities.