The
Gambia Press Union is holding a 16-day training of trainers programme for civil
society organisations, journalists and government communication officers on
freedom of expression and human rights.
Speaking
at the opening ceremony held at the Djembe Hotel on Tuesday, Malick Jones,
deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information, said his ministry
would continue to play their role in partnership with the GPU.
The
right to speech is the most important right, he said, adding that the 1997
constitution grants the freedom of speech, assembly and association.
He
said the training of trainers on freedom of expression has come at a time when
journalists need to play their role in a conducive and democratic environment.
On
behalf of his ministry, he congratulated GPU on its effort to complement the
government’s effort on the drive to create an enabling landscape for the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression.
The
society relies on journalists to report factually and accurately and to protect
their sources. They also need to be responsible when reporting and have the
legitimate right to non-interference in reporting in the public interest.
He
concluded that the training would enable participants to be trainers themselves
in using the modules of freedom of expression to benefit others.
For
his part, the lead trainer, Gaye Sowe, said he was delighted to be chosen to
coordinate the training on freedom of expression on The Gambia law.
He
said looking at the international obligation it was a great initiative in
promoting the rights of people.
The
facilitator of the training, Saikou Jammeh, said the participants were selected
on their roles in society and they are certain that after the training they
would give back to others what they have learned.
He
disclosed that the GPU got funding from the United Nations and the project was
aimed at promoting an enabling environment for freedom of expression in The
Gambia.
The
objective was for legal reforms, and to sensitise the people on their right on
freedom of expression.
