Beakanyang, a local NGO at the weekend partnered with Youth for Human Rights International The Gambia Chapter to launch the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at Serrekunda market.
Speaking to reporters at the event, the Executive Director Beakanyang who also doubles as the country coordinator of YHRI, Mr. Nfamara Jawneh said the year-long commemoration is aimed at raising awareness and increasing people’s understanding about the universality and indivisibility of human rights and empower people to fight for their rights.
According to him, they are working with different partners on various activities as part of the campaign.
The rights activist lamented that despite its age, many people in the country do not know about the UDHR thus the need for them to intensify their advocacy and sensitization.
Mr. Jawneh used the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements registered by the country since 2017 in advancing human rights.
He cited the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission; freedom of expression being enjoyed by Gambians and an “independent judiciary” as some of the milestone achievements.
Notwithstanding, the rights activist noted that doing is not doing well in terms of socio-economic rights.
He urged Gambians especially young people to stand up for their rights and serve as advocate of peace and tolerance.
Meanwhile, as part of the campaign launching, a petition banner calling for the implementation of UDHR in the country was signed by cross section of Gambians.
According to organizers, the petition will be handed over to President Barrow on International Human Rights Day on December 10.
“We are happy to partner with Beakanyang to launch this important campaign, we have just distributed 200 human rights booklets about UDHR and also collected many signatures urging government to implement UDHR,” says Mr.Kabir Nyass, chairman of YHRG.
