Celebrating 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was proclaimed in 1948, at a time when most of the world was under colonial rule, stands even today as one the most eloquent statements about the dignity of man. Following this historic Declaration, the Assembly of the United Nations called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.”

It is in recognition of this duty and the importance of the respect for Human Rights and freedoms as indispensable requirements for the maintenance of not only peace and security but also the socio-economic and political development of all human beings that that Foundation Legal Aid Research Empowerment [FLARE] wishes to take up the challenge to disseminate the Declaration in the Gambia.  We wish to embark on a wide range of activities for the purpose of promoting the Declaration so that as many Gambians and Africans as possible have access to the ideals and principles expounded in the Declaration of 1948!

 The promotion and protection of human rights is in the interest of every human being regardless of your position in life. On the one hand, the violation of the Human Rights and freedoms is not in the interest of any individual regardless of your position in life. Not only does the violation and disregard of rights and freedoms give rise to conflicts and entrench poverty among other social ills, but also those who violate or disregard rights, even remotely, are complicit in limiting their own rights and freedoms. Promoting rights triggers and engenders the socio-economic development of both the individual and society as a whole. Protecting rights and freedoms ensures peace and stability, and opens up a world of opportunities for individuals and societies to explore their potentials as they find ways and means to develop and advance. It is half the solution in national development for any nation in which human rights and freedoms are promoted and protected. This goes to say that rights and freedoms are not merely a political issue, but are also integral to the socio-economic life of the individual and society. In other words, human rights and freedoms are development issues.

Ultimately FLARE wishes to use this 60TH Anniversary celebration as a campaign to enable ordinary individuals, intellectuals and the elites and the institutions that they run realize the developmental nature of Human Rights and freedoms, which come first before bread and butter, and in fact, it  lays the foundation on which bread and butter are secured in an environment of peace and stability.

Therefore, in consideration of the above, FLARE looks at Human Rights and freedoms as a matter of capacity building and empowerment in which rights and freedoms are seen as a pedestal on which a human being stands to dare and to explore every vista of his or her vast potentialities and make mistakes in the enduring quest for self-actualization, acquisition of knowledge, development of the  personal and the commonwealth and the perfection of the spirit.

As a human rights civil society organization, FLARE holds the view that human rights lies at the core of peace and development. Without the respect for rights and freedoms not only is peace unattainable, but the path to socio-economic growth and political independence are also compromised. This is because rights and freedoms enable a human being to seek and acquire the means and tools willingly to direct his or her own development either individually or collectively. Where this opportunity is lacking human beings fail to reach their full potentials and become the victims of domination, exploitation, oppression, ignorance and poverty. From this perspective, it is clear that anywhere you have enslaved or colonized people; the end result is widespread and excruciating poverty, diseases and general underdevelopment as that which characterized Africa during the periods of the Atlantic Slave Trade, Colonialism and Apartheid over the past 400 years. The current underdevelopment of Africa can still be largely explained in the light of the limited respect for Human Rights and freedoms in the course of the current post-Independence era.

For these and other reasons FLARE wishes to embark on the promotion of Human rights and freedoms with specific reference  to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which in many ways contributed to the decolonization process in Africa and other parts of the world, and have since then influenced numerous constitutions around the world. The campaign for the promotion of Human Rights will focus mainly on sensitization activities carried out in the media through articles, essay and quiz competitions and engagement with the general public through lectures and discussions. Particular attention will be placed on schools because of the fact that children, among all sectors of the population, need to be nurtured in a culture  that resonates with the ideals and concepts of Human Rights and freedoms so that they will internalize them as a way of life and a philosophy to direct their behaviour.

 By targeting children we are sowing the seeds for a democratized society in future given that young people will become the leaders eventually. It is envisaged that the challenges that Africans face today will be surmounted if we produce children who grow into adulthood armed with the ideals of Human Rights and freedoms. It is safe to say that with this strategy we will definitely usher in a more democratic future for our people and consequently speed up our development process by many folds.

The campaign will round up by 10th December 2008,  during which time we hope many stakeholders, institutions, and organizations in the public and private sectors as well as in the civil society community will be engaged to partner with FLARE in promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The aim of this campaign is to publicize the Declaration as widely as possible so that many more people in the Gambia and beyond can have access to the ideals and principles of the Declaration. In this regard, we envisage that if the Declaration is well promoted it will lead to or contribute to the following:

i.          To promote and protect issues of rights and freedoms in the country and beyond;

ii.          To promote a culture of rights and democratic behavior among members of society;

iii.         To ensure the protection of rights by duty bearers and the demand for rights by rights holders;

iv.         To promote and ensure sustainable peace and development and restore the dignity of human beings free from ignorance, exploitation and oppression in all forms;

Thank you for reading through and FLARE expects to see you actively participate in any of its future events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“The empowerment of women is irrevocably tied to the safety, security, and prosperity of the world. The enfranchisement of women can no longer be a simple aspiration”, said US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice in the inauguration of international women of courage, and quoted by the American ambassador Barry wells. The recent award to Dr Isatou Touray, the executive director of Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices  (GAMCOTRAP ) as ‘woman of courage’ by the American Embassy is a real joy for all women in The Gambia because this serves as a signal to women that the struggle and women’s contribution to national development has been recognized not only by the Gambian government but also by the international community. This award is timely and is not a surprise for that matter, because women like Dr Touray deserve such recognition as she is always in the forefront in fighting for the rights of women.

 During the award ceremony, the American ambassador to The Gambia, Barry Wells, has said that in 2007 the Department of State established the Secretary of State’s international Women of Courage Award. Through this annual award, he added, the United States honors the courage of extraordinary women worldwide who have played transformative roles in their societies. “ Each year, U.S. Embassies around the world are invited to nominate women from their respective countries. In 2007 the US.Embassy in Banjul nominated Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the African Center on Democracy and Human Rights Studies.  Ambassador Wells described women as essential agents in bringing about change and an often overlooked resource in the preservation of human security, in overcoming transnational dangers, and in managing threats arising from tyranny, trafficking, poverty, and disease.

Wells further went on to say that the achievement of the United States’ mission of advancing democracy, prosperity, and security worldwide, was not possible without the empowerment of women. “ If women cannot participate in the political process, there can be no real democracy, if they are deprived of economic opportunity, development is crippled, and if women are not educated, they cannot pass knowledge to their children, and there is no true security for the next generation.

Ambassador Wells however agreed that poverty is more rampant when women lack education and economic opportunity, and justice is thwarted when women are denied the right to play a political role in their nations.  He added, “And in today’s modern world, no country can achieve lasting success, stability, and security, if half of its population is sitting on the sidelines. On that note we are encouraged by the leadership of women of The Gambia at all levels in the governance of the nation.”

 Finally, Ambassador Wells urged the international community to make sure that they hear the voices of women and account for their concerns whenever they seek to establish or to keep the peace.  “If we do that, we are actually making the job of keeping the peace easier,” he emphasized.

In receiving the award Dr Touray expressed appreciation and highlighted the work they do in GAMCOTRAP which she said is grounded in grassroots activism, working with communities in trying to understand the issues inimical to their health and well being.

GAMCOTRAP, she noted, is a Women’s Rights NGO, which promotes women’s social, political, economic and cultural rights and specifically focuses on sexual and reproductive health rights. The organization creates awareness on Traditional Practices and aims at the preservation of beneficial practices as well as the elimination of harmful traditional practices that are inimical to the well being of women and children, particularly the girl-child.

“GAMCOTRAP focuses on the following objectives:

1. To carry out research into traditional practices that affect the sexual and reproductive health of women and girl children in The Gambia.

2. To identify and promote traditional practices which improve the status of girl-children and women.

3. To create awareness on the effects of harmful traditional practices on the health of girl-children and women, in particular FGM, nutritional taboos, child/early marriages and wife inheritance etc’.

 Dr Touray added that in pursuit of their mandate, GAMCOTRAP was able to work closely with target groups in communities that are critical to its advocacy on Women and children’s rights in The Gambia. “ I am pleased to inform you that GAMCOTRAP in collaboration with the Government of the Gambia through its community sensitization program have achieved some positive change through its advocacy work. Among these are the signing and ratification of the international conventions namely the CRC, CEDAW, The African Protocol on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)’. She however applauded the government of The Gambia for the positive stand they have taken in providing formal equality for women.  Touray also urged the NAMS to pass the Women’s Bill which is currently under review and call on the Government of The Gambia to initiate the promulgation of a law banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

“Rights education in the communities has brought in changes in some communities. You can only demand your rights when you know what rights you have, and can only execute the rights when you know for what purpose. As I speak today 18 Sheroines have understood the relevant articles in all the international women’s rights conventions to have reached the decision to stop Female Genital Mutilation. Their decision to stop has saved many girl children from experiencing the effects of FGM, thus improving the maternal and child mortality rates of Gambia’s health index. “Rights can only have meaning when people are able to uphold them close to home and their practices,” she disclosed.

Dr Touray however pointed out that 40 more circumcisers would be joining the former ones to celebrate yet another declaration by communities to continue to protect their children from FGM.

Dr Touray finally accepted the award with honour to GAMCOTRAP, all its members and the Community Based Facilitators who have been engaged in the struggle for promoting women’s and children’s rights, and also appreciated the support and assistance rendered by the Local Government Structures who work closely with them to facilitate positive change.

“This honour gives us the courage and commitment to continue the work we are doing. The sacrifice is worth it because of the difference it makes in the life of the poor, vulnerable and powerless people we serve.

We are committed in the work we do because there are people who believe in the cause we stand for, and who provide the support needed to continue engaging constructively with the communities we serve. “This initiative is one of such recognition made in our honour,” she concluded.

Global Unification

If there is any organization that is into Pan-Africanism, it is Global Unification the Gambia. Just two years old, it dedicates itself to the service of the underprivileged. Technological transfer, among other things, is the focus of this organization. Its members strongly believes that through empowerment of the citizens of impoverished countries, development can be achieved at a fast rate.

Just last week, GU Gambia threw what it called a volunteer social gathering, at the Palma Rima Beach. Today, we focus on this organization that has endeavoured to defy the difficulties that limit the successes of many of the youth organizations in this country.   

Global Unification the Gambia, (GU) is a sub- chapter of Global Unification International’s African chapter. Its sole purpose is to bring together dynamic international intellectuals, for the advancement of humanity, to provide technological transfer and technical assistance, for sustainable development in developing communities.

In 2006, during the African Union summit held in Banjul, some students studying at the University of the Gambia came in touch with some officials from GU Africa chapter. This marked the beginning of the Gambia chapter. Headed by Ebrima S Dem, a graduate of UTG, Global Unification, the Gambia has made great strides in terms of its aims and objectives.

One remarkable achievement of the association is its emphasis on unity. The African chapter hads,as its as one of its prime objectives,tobring to the attention of the global African community, the work of the African Union, an institution that hasbeen created to represent the Global African community.

The chapter has initiated a campaign entitled: 1 Voice 1Action 1Africa. This program’s principle objective is to raise awareness to the global African community that there exist an institution with parliamentary powers that can change the course of Africa’s intolerable circumstances.

GU the Gambia successfully embarked on its campaign last year,which was a requirement for member countries to seek for the hosting of the continental campign some time in the near future. Apart from this, the association has embarkedon a lotof other activities geared towards promoting the course of humanity.

For more information about GU, you can contact:

Ebrima S Dem

Country representative

Global Unification the Gambia

c/o Africa in Democracy and good governance

Churchill’s Town Serekunda

Mauritania is often held up as a beacon when it comes to the proportion of women elected to political office - a 20 percent minimum quota was instituted in 2006 - but experts told IRIN once in power many women are still sidelined from taking important political decisions.

“While the quota is a major step forward, changing the situation of Mauritanian women is still a slow process because their colleagues discourage them from leading on issues,” Aminettou Mint Ely, head of the local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Association of Women (AFCF), told IRIN.

“As a result, many of these women cannot fight to overturn discriminatory laws in the country… such as those barring working women from claiming a pension, or paying elected women less than men for the same posts,” she said.

In the 2007 municipal council elections, women were voted into 37 percent of seats - or 1,120 out of 3,688 - and 18 percent of parliamentarians are women, but women make up just three out of 27 ministers.

Even this marks progress - while Mauritania ranks 111 out of 128 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2007 global gender gap index, when it comes to political empowerment its ranking rises to 74 partly because of its efforts to boost women’s presence in government.

Starting point

Mahnaz Afkhami, president of the Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), thinks quotas are a good starting point. “Of the 13 countries globally with the highest proportion of women in government, all have implemented quotas,” she told IRIN.

“But they are not the end-goal… Alongside them, we also need to break down cultural stigmas and train these women to become good leaders.”

Kadiata Malick Diallo, deputy in the National Assembly who has been involved in Mauritanian political life for 30 years, said that while the president may endorse the quota, not all male members of parliament are on board.

By way of example, she told IRIN: “People often overlook women when they choose members to form permanent standing committees.”

She continued: “Some [men still] think the quota is anti-democratic and promotes mediocrity. But mediocrity is not the exclusive preserve of women.”

Creating strong leaders

But for Hildegard Schoerry, good governance adviser with German development agency GTZ, the problem also comes down to a skills shortage. “In 2007 most elected women in municipal councils were illiterate… as were many of the men.”

These women were not used to speaking out or making decisions publicly.

To address this, GTZ worked with the Secretariat of State for Women’s Affairs (SECF), the WLP and local NGOs AFCF and Forum for Human Rights Organisations (FONADH)  in the southern regions of Hodh el Gharbi and Guidimakha to build up women councillors’ leadership skills.

They trained councillors in how to lobby for change, how to lead a political decision-making process, how government works, and the basic national and international laws concerning women.

As a result, “councillors’ behaviour is starting to shift and they are starting to show determination in fighting for their cause,” said Schoerry.

In both districts where the training has taken place, the 20 percent quota has been surpassed.

Next steps

The next goal, for Diallo, is to see the quota extended beyond elected office to other influential arenas such as the civil service and the judiciary.

And when these quotas are reached, she hopes the goalposts will shift again. “The 20 percent quota is a milestone, but our ultimate goal is equality,” she told IRIN.

To change things on this scale they will need the endorsement of powerful men across the political and religious spectrum, said Schoerry. They have made some headway on that front - Muslim leaders have already officially endorsed the quota by declaring the Koran does not forbid women from taking political office.

But for WLP’s Afkhami, before they focus on expanding the numbers, they need to make sure the leaders that are in place are up to the job. The next step is to look beyond the numbers, to address the quality of leadership these women adopt.

“We need to train these women to be democratic, principle-based communicative leaders,” she told IRIN, “in order to build what we want - an inclusive democratic process in Mauritania.”

The money was raised through the recent performances by the Senegalese Maestro Yousou Ndure.

Speaking in an interview with The Point the Public Relations Manager of the Gamtel/Gamcel Association, Mr. Amadou Touray, has said that this noble gesture was not only appreciated by President Jammeh and his cabinet but commended.

According to him, it has been described as patriotic and a huge help towards the socio-economic development of the nation.

“I would like to commend everyone involved in this project on behalf of the CEO Mr. Rein Zuiolsman, the senior management team and all other members of staff,” Mr. Touray said.

30 mattresses, 60 bed sheets, 60 visitors chairs and ten TV sets were also donated to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital.

In an interview with The Point, Dr. Osagie said the institution is presently offering scholarship packages to dozens of students at both branches. According to him, LIPS is the best institution for helping students to get jobs and for this reason they are offering scholarships for young people to study a range of courses at LIPS.

He explained that the motive behind the noble gesture is to offer everybody in the society equal access to a quality, professional education irrespective of family background. He said the priority is to give access to those from underprivileged backgrounds.

“We also give priority to girls and those with disabilities because we believe in the empowerment of women,” he said. He also emphasised the contribution of LIPS in making skills work noting that when a child is educated the whole nation is educated. Anyone interested in finding out more about the LIPS scholarship can contact 4472133 or 9718255.

Global Unification (GU), The Gambia chapter, will organise on Saturday a seminar centred on the theme: “Women’s empowerment and the right to decision making”.

The seminar, which is set to take place at the Kanifing Municipal Council’s headquarter, is expected to be graced by different dignitaries such as Nicodemus Fru, professor of African History, Samba Faal and Yankuba Colley the Mayors of Banjul and KMC respectively, youth and women’s organisations as well as school children, among others.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Madiba Sillah, secretary general of Global Unification, said that the seminar is part of his organisation’s Plan of Action for this year. He revealed that the reason for choosing women empowerment as topic for the seminar is the need for sensitisation of the young people about the difficulties that women are facing.

He then noted that pertinent issues concerning the women folk would be discussed at the seminar. “We are committed to this task because of our conviction that the population of women in Africa is rapidly increasing. Despite their important number, they continue to remain one of the most vulnerable groups. Thus making it imperative to join hands in advancing their lives”, he posited.

Also speaking to this reporter, Mr Ebrima Dem, national representative, Global Unification, the Gambia, said: “Women are the victims of gender violence and discrimination; therefore, it is very important to sensitise young people on the problem affecting them. African women have the potential to advance the world. All what they need is empowerment. And we are keen on playing our part in ensuring that”, he stated.

Mr Dem said that Global Unification, the Gambia is a registered Research and development association with the sole aim of advancing humanity in the world in the areas of human rights, good governance, women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation, among other issues.

Last Friday the National Youth Parliament (NYP) of The Gambia celebrated its sixth anniversary at the National Assembly Chamber in Banjul.

Delivering his keynote address, the NYP Speaker, Lamin F. Bojang said the aims and objectives of NYP are quality, adequate education and job opportunities for all Gambian youths.

He revealed that NYP works independently now and has expanded its operation to integrate good governance, human rights, democracy and general teaching about youth participation. He expresses his organisation’s willingness in promoting, improving and empowering Gambian youths.

For her part, the National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa said that youths should come together as one to address their problems that would make the way forward for Gambian youths. She commended NYP for their tremendous contribution to the empowerment, advancement and development of youths in The Gambia.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Program Officer of NYP, Ousman Conteh.