|
Momodou
Denmark
11823 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 20:40:51
|
Gambia Government Back-Tracks
By Saikou Ceesay
Representing the Government of the Gambia and the Minister of Justice, Therese Sarr Toupan has called on member states at the 46th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to promote and protect human rights in Africa.
Speaking on Wednesday 11 November 2009 at the ongoing session of the Commission, Ms. Sarr Toupan said it is the primary responsibility of all states positing that it is only when human rights are guaranteed, promoted and protected that one could say human security has become a reality.
On promoting and upholding religious freedom, she said the government strives to uphold its unrivaled religious tolerance adding that the government respects this right. Mrs. Toupan asserted that the Gambia as a developing nation is ready to learn from its difficulties and challenges in promoting human rights.
“We are also unwavering in our desire and commitment to keep the peace and stability we are known to have and enjoy”, Ms. Toupan said, indicating that the Gambia government’s readiness and willingness to learn and adopt best practices available to improve significantly on its human rights record and to best protect the human rights of people, saying that the government is and will continue to be committed to this cause.
Mrs. Toupan reiterated that as true promoters and protectors of human rights, they should also act responsibly in the way and manner they execute their functions or mandates and not to appear or be seen to make misleading and unsubstantiated claims of alleged human rights violations or statements founded on other ulterior motives. She cautioned that human rights did not operate in the abstract but within the legal system of the state.
Toupan recollected that 2009 witnessed the resumption of coup d’etats and internal unrests, summary executions and sexual crimes which have become tools and weapons in the hands of junta regimes. She urged the African Commission to continue in working tirelessly with member states to implement its mandate to monitor, protect and promote human rights.
Presenting a paper at the opening Ceremony of the 46th Ordinary Session, the Acting Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Honourable Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga said the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are important aspects of any democratic dispensation. He indicated that without these fundamental freedoms, democracy is deprived of its governments “and make pronouncements as we have done recently by adopting resolutions on the human rights situation in the Gambia and Guinea. He said the Commission looks forward to continuing their engagement with state parties concerned in order to ensure that the human and people’s rights enshrined in the African Charter are guaranteed and protected.
Addressing on the impact of climate change and environmental degradation to poverty, food production and peace and security issues on the continent, he said many African nations are realizing the threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation adding that countries do not have the capacity to deal with the consequences. “No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels are threatening many coastal states, small island states and communities in Africa observed Nyanduga.
He said drought has affected almost 20 million people in East and the Horn of Africa, adding that Somalia is suffering a multiple tragedy of conflict, drought and the consequential displacement of the civilian population.
Source: Daily News
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
