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Gambia News : Foroyaa editor underscores need for greater commitment to human rights issues
Mr. Sam Sarr, the editor in chief of Foroyaa Newspaper has said there is need for greater commitment to human right issues by the three organs of government: the Judiciary, Executive and the Legislature.
He also called on the civil society including media practitioners to be more committed in protecting and safeguarding human rights and also to act independently and judiciously to enable a vibrant environment for the safety of the people.
Mr. Sarr made these comments on Monday while delivering a keynote address at a week-long training for journalists on Human Rights issues organized by the Network for Human Rights Journalists, funded by the United State Embassy in The Gambia. The programme is currently underway at the office of The Gambia Press Union along Garba Jahumpa Road in Bakau.
According to Mr. Sarr, more emphasis need to be put in place to ensure that justice is well rooted without any fear or favour, affection or ill will that will build more confidence on the judiciary, which he described as public trustees which should serve public interests as expected of them.
He also said that the executive arm of the government should respect the fundamental rights of people. Such an atmosphere, he noted, would create opportunities for journalists, politicians and critics to express their opinion and also to disseminate information freely. According to him, the absence of such an environment could make all efforts at protecting and safeguarding human rights to go futile.
He also asked the organs of government and the various institutions concerned on human rights to harmoniously work together towards common good. He said media practitioners should also play their role of disseminating correct information and mass education to the best of their abilities.
Democracy is incomplete where human rights and the fundamental rights of the people is not respected, said Sarr, noting that it is incumbent upon everybody to meaningfully contribute to human rights protection, as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
Also speaking, Mr. Musa Sheriff, coordinator of the Network of Human Rights Journalists said the organization is a non political, non governmental and non- profit making charitable association of journalists committed to promoting and protecting human and people rights as guaranteed in the 1997 constitution of The Gambia.
According to him, the association’s vision is to ensure a human rights friendly world by restoring and maintaining a vibrant and independent press operation in a democratic and free society. He said this can only be achieved through embarking on promotional campaigns and mass media advocacy programmes and activities.
He also noted that by considering the numerous challenges confronting the society’s development activities, the Network solicited support from the American Embassy for the establishment of a secretariat and training of its members to enable them play more proactive role in promoting human rights and freedom of expression.
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- I dont agree with everything Jammeh is doing but we talk of human rights but fail to attach responsibilities. People hide under freedom of speech and express there hatered or even calling for behading the president and you expect to walk free.
(Posted on January 5, 2010, 4:57 PM Lamin)
- I honestly hope am wrong but i have the feeling that a leader like Jammeh could lead us to a nightmare like Rwanda;he has willing killers,he is a tribalist,and we all know the real weapons are in kanilai not Yundum...i really hope am proven wrong
(Posted on December 25, 2009, 11:25 PM Mo)
- This cycle of violence atmosphere created by Jammehs regime will never end untill we have a regime change trust me. And change can only take place if all sub leaders are honest to there country and forget there selfish interest.
(Posted on December 25, 2009, 11:06 AM freedom of expression)
- Mr. Sam Sarr, thank you. Please keep the strength not to let anybody restrain you from expressing your opinion. Voices like yours need to be heared in this country.
(Posted on December 25, 2009, 3:07 AM Lamin Jallow)
- I know good people like Mr.Sarr just want the best for Gambia but we all know that the obvious elephant in the room is Jammeh!! What makes this man think that he cannot develop Gambia and couple it with respect for the rights of his fellow citizens?
(Posted on December 23, 2009, 9:07 PM manka)
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