The forum on the participation of NGOs in the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights is currently underway at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
The theme of the 3 day convergence which begins on Sunday the 13th and ends on Tuesday the 15th October is”The year of education: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” focusing on building resilient education systems to enhance access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning across Africa.The goal of the forum emphasizes the importance of education in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering development on the continent.
Addressing the participants,the Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies stressed the need for effective collaboration between the NGOs and goverments.
” There is need for collaboration with governments.Its is important that we take that into consideration.We have to be genuine partners of governments and we are pleased that the center have been working very closely with the government of the Gambia.”
The Minister of Justice, honourable Dawda Jallow while delivering his keynote address spoke at length on the numerous factors affecting human rights in African stressing armed conflicts and violence as rooms for violating women and children’s rights.
” The theme for the conference is both timely and essential as we witnessed violation affecting youths, children and women.” He expressed concerned that armed extremist continue to launch targeted attacks on schools , markets and places of worship.
He further spoke on the Gambia’s transformative strive to strengthen it’s human rights which includes the setting of Independent Human Rights Commission among others.
Delivering the official opening statement,the chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights Mr Remi Ngoy Lumbu highlighted that education is neglected in several areas noting that Africa doesn’t deserve it’s current predicament in human rights abuses and access to Education.
He call on heads of states to endeavor ot end suffering of children.
Honourable Justice Remond Sock,the chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights says despite notable growth,human rights issues remains a challenge.
The forum which ends tomorrow Tuesday is expected to adopt resolution and recommendations.
