Madam Singhateh gave the assurance yesterday while officially declaring the 56th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACHPR, closed at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.
She said: “The government of The Gambia is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the charter and is committed to keep the peace and stability it is known to have always enjoyed. The government and people of The Gambia, on its part, have repeatedly stressed the importance of human rights for all, equal rights and opportunities for its citizens, the rule of law, the critical role of the media and of intercultural and inter-generational dialogue. All are critical to build deep and sustainable democracy.
“The government of The Gambia has also worked towards the creation of jobs and equal opportunities, as well as improve the livelihoods of its people, through sustainable development. I wish to emphasise and re-assure this gathering that the government of The Gambia remains attached to the ideas of the commission and re-affirms its commitment to work of the commission as we continue to lend every support possible in the fulfilment of its mandate.”
The justice minister however, acknowledged the tough choice the continent has to make to take on some severe human rights issues, threat of insecurity, disease, corruption and unemployment.
She said: “It was asserted that despite the best practices of some countries, a lot more needed to be done as many African countries continue to face challenges of insecurity, disease, poverty, corruption, unemployment, arbitrary arrest and detention, violence, terrorism, renewed attacks on freedoms and many other challenges. I have no doubt in my mind that the participants at this session have been assailed by a torrent of ideas, information, statistics, interpretations and visions. Even though it may take some time for participants to sift through and consolidate their own personal perspectives on the issues, and strategies on how to apply them for the benefit of Africans, it is my hope that everybody present shall utilise their individual and collective contributions to ensure that human rights are effectively promoted and protected in Africa.”
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