The
Gambia as a country largely supported by the international community liberated
itself from 22 years of dark history characterized by among others, atrocities
and enforced disappearances. The new Gambia is determined to return as it were
under the era of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, a country known for its rule of law
and respect for human rights, hence its recognition as the human rights capital
of Africa.
On
the premise of the foregoing, to rebrand the image of The Gambia is the duty of
every Gambian to advocate and remind the world of the values and principled
stand the Government of The Gambia is committed to protecting for humanity.
Towards
this endeavour, the government of The Gambia values human life and dignity
across the world be it in The Gambia or Myanmar. As a small country with less
to offer to the world, our role in defending human dignity in The Gambia and
around the world cost nothing but international recognition.
Worthy
to mention here that The Gambia is not new to leading the world in seeking
peace and preserving life and dignity. Mediation between Iran and Iraq in the
1980s was led by no other than our very own, Sir Dawda Kairaba, entrusted and
mandated by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), supported by the
United Nations to broker peace and avert humanitarian catastrophe in the region
not at least close to West Africa.
Challenges
of a small nation are insurmountable, yet the responsibility to protect and
preserve human life and dignity is a business for all nations, small or large,
poor or rich. It is therefore incumbent on all nations to prioritize issues of
concern to the world and do without selfish and nationalist rhetoric. The world
needs The Gambia likewise The Gambia in the United Nations (League of civilized
nations).
To
be known for being a human rights champion, would not harm any nation but gain.
It was not by accident that the world came to the aide of The Gambia in the
most trying times of our country’s history. To, therefore, share with the world
our little way of respect and compliance for human rights, should be our most
valuable weapon and we must not relent or shy away.
It
is not reasonably excusable for any responsible nation to ignore the
extermination of a group of people under the pretext ‘not our priority’. Such
excuses may cause one to wonder what brought the ECOMIG Forces to The Gambia in
spite of all the domestic challenges facing each of the countries that
selflessly volunteered their gallant men and women for the ECOMIG Force.
The
world, and in particular, state parties to the Genocide Convention have been
under the challenge of turning a blind eye to the acts of genocide being
committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar for years. The Gambia as a member of
the international community including the Muslim Umma (OIC) is no exception.
The
dire circumstances faced by the Rohingya people who are being persecuted for
being Muslims and a distinct ethnic group in Myanmar have been discussed in
many international fora but without tangible results leading to protection and
accountability for the lives of Rohingya. Should The Gambia continue to be
among the silent majority and therefore become complicit in genocide acts being
meted to the Rohingya, or speak out and take action for the Muslim Umma as well
as save humanity?
The
Government of The Gambia has decided on the latter as a giant and champion for
human rights and dignity of all mankind by taking steps to bring Myanmar to
compliance as required by the Genocide Convention. The Gambia as a party to the
said convention is under both moral and legal obligation to defend the
convention and indeed the reception is overwhelming.
The
stance of The Gambia did not stem out any attention-seeking but to rather plant
a seed for future concessions considering that The Gambia is not an island and
we may need similar support as was in December 2016 post-election. In view of
this, The Gambia and every Gambian should be proud that our guiding principles
and values as related to respect for human life and dignity are no longer
limited to our shores, but leading the world in the call to bring Myanmar to
compliance with regard to the genocide convention.
Every
Gambian should view this historic event as a proud moment and manifestation of
the slogan ‘Never Again’ to Atrocities in The Gambia and indeed all over the
world, and that a fight for one Gambian life and dignity is worth replicating for
a thousand lives around the world. As a responsible member of the international
community and precisely “the Genocide Convention,” we are duty-bound to take
necessary steps as a sovereign state and people to lead in bringing/calling for
accountability where it is due in the interest of humanity.
Issued
by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International
Cooperation and Gambians Abroad