Poverty undermines human dignity – PM
Collaboration between government and non-state actors crucial
The prime minister underlined that while social protection programmes provide some relief from poverty, they cannot fully address widespread poverty and more help is required.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on all stakeholders to join the fight against poverty's root causes, saying it undermines the dignity of those subjected to it.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made the call on Saturday during an International Human Rights Day commemoration event held in Rundu.
She said unemployment is a primary contributor to poverty.
"Unemployment is the main cause of poverty, which undermines human dignity," she said.
The prime minister said although government has introduced and implemented various efforts to address poverty, it is not enough.
All together now
She urged various stakeholders, such as the private sector and private citizens, to provide a helping hand, and rededicate themselves to upholding the human rights of all Namibians.
"While our social protection programmes provide relief from poverty, they cannot fully address poverty," she said.
"We must empower our citizens to have a decent income and have access to social amenities. This will only be achieved through collaborative efforts between government and non-state actors, especially the private sector.
"The government is implementing programmes to ensure a sound policy environment, provide access to finance and markets, as well as skills and mentorship, in order to support private businesses, including youth and women's enterprises. The private sector is invited to optimise these opportunities and complement these efforts of government to support community development."
Covid-19 aftermath
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also spoke about the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of Namibians and stressed that government has prioritised addressing challenges that persist after the pandemic.
"In this regard, promoting access to social amenities, such as health, education, water and sanitation, housing and promotion of employment opportunities, has continued to be among the top priorities of government as they are critical for the welfare and dignity of our people," she said.
"The remaining challenges in these areas, which have unfortunately been exacerbated by Covid and the subsequent economic downturn, shall continue to receive priority attention from government," the prime minister said.
"I wish to call on all stakeholders to join government in ensuring that we leverage the abundant resources our country is endowed with and the strong governance architecture to ensure a life of dignity for all our people," she concluded.
[email protected]
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made the call on Saturday during an International Human Rights Day commemoration event held in Rundu.
She said unemployment is a primary contributor to poverty.
"Unemployment is the main cause of poverty, which undermines human dignity," she said.
The prime minister said although government has introduced and implemented various efforts to address poverty, it is not enough.
All together now
She urged various stakeholders, such as the private sector and private citizens, to provide a helping hand, and rededicate themselves to upholding the human rights of all Namibians.
"While our social protection programmes provide relief from poverty, they cannot fully address poverty," she said.
"We must empower our citizens to have a decent income and have access to social amenities. This will only be achieved through collaborative efforts between government and non-state actors, especially the private sector.
"The government is implementing programmes to ensure a sound policy environment, provide access to finance and markets, as well as skills and mentorship, in order to support private businesses, including youth and women's enterprises. The private sector is invited to optimise these opportunities and complement these efforts of government to support community development."
Covid-19 aftermath
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also spoke about the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of Namibians and stressed that government has prioritised addressing challenges that persist after the pandemic.
"In this regard, promoting access to social amenities, such as health, education, water and sanitation, housing and promotion of employment opportunities, has continued to be among the top priorities of government as they are critical for the welfare and dignity of our people," she said.
"The remaining challenges in these areas, which have unfortunately been exacerbated by Covid and the subsequent economic downturn, shall continue to receive priority attention from government," the prime minister said.
"I wish to call on all stakeholders to join government in ensuring that we leverage the abundant resources our country is endowed with and the strong governance architecture to ensure a life of dignity for all our people," she concluded.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article