The constant discovery of dead bodies and the increase in missing people especially young women is a concern, says human rights Activist Shamima Ali.
Ms Ali said often in restrictive environments where human rights and democracy and the rule of law spaces were shrinking, their was often an increase in violence within communities, murders and anti-social behaviours.
She said in an already patriarchal society, authoritarian leadership encourages the lack of debate, consultations and violence and bullying were the only answers to settling arguments and disputes.
“Our communities are impoverished and many people are struggling for their own and their family’s survival,” she said.
“This also gives use to mental health issues and many are again struggling for lack of a robust system that caters to their needs.”
Ms Ali said many were resorting to alcohol and or self-harm. She said the social fibre of our communities seemed to be disintegrating and had worsened by o COVID-19 and poverty.
“Needless to say the majority of victims are the most vulnerable — the poor and the disfranchised. Ms Ali said it’s important for people to act responsibility to avert such tragedies.
“We often do not know the outcomes of these reports — has the missing person been found, the circumstances of the bodies found— murder’s accidental or suicide.
“There have been a couple cases where there have been allegations against police and corrections officers.
“We need answers to these. We do not have a robust national human rights institution that is proactive and acts on its own violations.
“The police need to update and the media needs to follow up.
“Civil society also needs to raise concern and not just let it be the topic of conversation.
“Families and friends will also know what to look out for — troubled teens, family members behaving oddly and seeming troubled.” She said alcohol use was an issue in the country and would get worse during this festive season.
“Let us all take responsibility and look out for each other, especially families and friends.
“Make this Christmas a caring one for each other.”
