A
cross-section of Gambian journalists on 23 August 2013 wrapped up a human
rights training courtesy of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) at its secretariat in
Fajara.
In his presentation, Dr Aboubacarrr Senghore of the University of The Gambia gave a history of human rights and an overview of major human rights instruments.
He also talked about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which were adopted in Banjul, as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Cherno Marena, registrar general at the Attorney General’s Chambers, in his presentation, dwelt on the importance of human rights in the promotion and maintenance of peace.
He said there cannot be peace when the rights of human beings are violated.
He associated the adherence of the principles of democracy and good governance with peace.
Lawyer Gaye Sowe talked about the International Instruments and Mechanisms for the protection of Human Rights and the Domestic Protection and Enforcement of Human Rights in The Gambia.
Mr Sam Sarr, managing editor of Foroyaa Newspaper, spoke about the role of the media in the promotion and protection of human rights.
In his presentation, Ahmed Alota dwelled on the overview of the Declaration of Principles and Access to Information in Africa.
Ms Neneh M.C. Cham, President of Female Lawyers’ Association of The Gambia (FLAG), spoke about the rights of women to inheritance in The Gambia.
She said women should know what their rights are when it comes to inheritance.
When these rights are violated, women should go to the courts for redress, she said, adding that they should always know the jurisdiction where to file their cases.
She further advised women to seek the advice of lawyers, especially her association, when their rights to inheritance are violated.
Mrs Sagarr Jahateh, a legal practitioner, spoke about local human rights instruments for the protection of women’s rights.
Gibairu Janneh of the GPU thanked participants for taking their time to attend the training and urged them to share the knowledge gained from it with their colleagues.
