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Momodou
Denmark
11744 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Nov 2013 : 16:22:13
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THE NEED FOR A CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION IN THE GAMBIA
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Friday, 01 November 2013
WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?
While political parties could take matters dealing with electoral administration to court, there is need for civil societies that would make it their task to defend civil liberties and the rule of law by taking certain issues of public concern to court in order to promote compliance with the Constitution. Such a Union could have been a defender of the rights of people who are detained for more than 72 hours by filing cases on their behalf for redress of the violation of their fundamental rights and freedoms.
It is very common to hear people say that despite all the writings the authorities are not responding. What people should bear in mind is that defending fundamental rights and freedoms is not a one person affair. It is a chain work. Publication is just one form of advocacy.
However, it is a matter of persuasive influence. It is indispensable to human rights work. The most important institution for the protection of human rights is the judiciary. In fact, it is the guardian of rights as far as the Constitution is concerned. Section 17 subsection 1 states:
The fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in this Chapter shall be respected and upheld by all organs of the Executive and its agencies, the Legislature and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons in The Gambia, and shall be enforceable by the Courts in accordance with this Constitution It is the court that has enforcement powers.
Hence people of conscience should look into this matter and take their stance in defence of truth and justice.
Source: Foroyaa
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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