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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
 Posted - 03 May 2007 : 09:34:26
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3rd of May is the day to manifest World Wide Press Freedom. According to article below the Gambia´s president has gained some "fame". Please read and listen.
http://www.cpj.org/backsliders/index.html
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kiwi |
Edited by - kiwi on 04 May 2007 09:03:18 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2007 : 11:02:24
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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Below is a press release issued by the GPU on World Press Freedom Day.
May 3rd 2007 marks World Press Freedom Day. Throughout the world, 3 May serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news. This year, UNESCO invites all participants to discuss the rising challenges to the safety of media professionals, identify the specific dangers journalists face when working in conflict areas, consider the problem of impunity with regard to attacks on journalists, and explore measures that can be taken to improve the safety of journalists. Based on this call, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) has chosen as its theme Society, the Media and Impunity.
“The rights to life and to liberty and integrity and security of person and also to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights that are recognized and guaranteed by international conventions and instruments.” (UNESCO Resolution, General Conference 1997)
The role of the media in promoting human rights is indisputable. To deny this right is to deny the universality of information freedom — a basic human right. Not only do free and independent media act as guardians of human rights and watchdogs against abuses by authority, they also provide citizens with the information they require to exercise their democratic rights, notably in times of election. The media also disseminates information that is crucial for the life and development of communities. They have an essential contribution to make to the achievement, scheduled for 2015, of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals, including the eradication of extreme poverty, achieving universal basic education, promoting gender equality and combating HIV-AIDS. It is undisputable that The Gambian media has played a pivotal role in informing, educating and entertaining The Gambian public.
It is also acknowledged that the space has been provided for the independent press to participate in information dissemination. There is a vibrant private press and journalists are invited to press conferences and government and civil society functions. At the level of the judiciary, they have been allowed access to the courts including high profile cases such as the treason trials and in the case of the legislature they report on the National Assembly proceedings. Thus the 4th estate has improved relations with the three arms of government.
In The Gambia one of the major topics to be discussed during Press Freedom Day will be dedicated to an extremely grave and disquieting problem that is the arrests and detention of Gambian journalists without taking them to trial. We are also concerned about the majority of crimes committed against journalists and other media professionals that remain unpunished. The case of Fatou Jaw Manneh, the continued disappearance/detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh and the protracted court case of Lamin Fatty are issues of concern.
In exercising their duties, journalists and other media people are at risk to their persons and properties. Deyda Hydara lost his life and the perpetrators of this heinous crime have not yet been brought to book. The printing press of the Independent Newspaper has been burnt down and Radio 1 FM was also burnt down. It is disheartening that the perpetrators of these crimes go unpunished. “Impunity is freedom from punishment or injury.” The fact that these crimes have gone unpunished has been a grey area between the independent press and government and has served to force the press to impose self censorship. It has also served to make the Press especially the private electronic media to focus on less sensitive areas and to avoid governance and other issues.
According to Timothy Balding, CEO of the World Association of Newspapers stated “The number of crimes against journalists’ violence against media professionals and their institutions remains one of the greatest threats to freedom of expression and press freedom. According to Reporters Without Borders, 75 journalists and 32 media staff have been killed last year making 2006 the deadliest year on record. “Journalism today is more dangerous than ever. More than 500 journalists have been killed in the past decade, often for simply doing their jobs. These murders are a direct attack not only on individuals, but also on society as a whole. Yet few of the killers are ever brought to justice”.
In the last 15 years, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, about 85 per cent of all journalists’ murderers faced neither investigation nor prosecution for their crimes. “Even when murders were more fully investigated and some convictions obtained, the masterminds were brought to justice in just seven per cent of the cases”.
Murder, imprisonment and threats against journalists constitute a grave violation against the freedom of expression – and thus also threaten the foundations of democracy. Impunity only makes the situation worse. As long as perpetrators know that they will not be held accountable for the crimes they commit, journalists remain easy targets.
In 1997, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted Resolution 29 “Condemnation of violence against journalists” condemning violence against journalists. It aims at sensitizing governments, international and regional organisations on this topic and thus tries to fight against the existing culture of impunity. It would be good to review with all of the professional partners the efforts that have been made and the structures that have been built up in order to implement this resolution.
“Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms. It encourages transparency and good governance; it ensures that, over and above the mere rule of law, society enjoys the rule of true justice. There are however, those who still question the value of freedom of speech to their societies; those who argue that it threatens stability and endangers progress; those who still consider freedom of speech an imposition from abroad and not the indigenous expression of ‘all people’s demand’ for freedom.”
The GPU as a body is concerned about the promotion of the press and freedom of expression. It believes in protecting and safeguarding the rights of the journalists. All media persons, human rights activists and concerned persons should join hands in advocating the rights of journalists and report incidences violating press freedom, free expression and violation of rights of media workers and rights activists guaranteed under existing national laws and international instruments. We must not forget that continued vigilance is the key to protect our rights and freedom.
Based on this we call on the Government, CSO, the general public to see 3rd May, Press Freedom Day as:
· a day of action to encourage and develop initiatives in favor of the freedom of the press;
· a day to assess the state of press freedom worldwide;
· a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to press freedom;
· a day to alert the public and to increase awareness of the importance of freedom of the press;
· a day to reflect on and to encourage debate among media professionals on the issues of press freedom and professional ethics;
· a day of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession; and
· a day of support for media which fall victim to any measures which restrain, or seek to abolish, freedom of the press.
The Gambia Press Union
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 50/2007, 2 – 3 May 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2007 : 11:02:24
|
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Below is a press release issued by the GPU on World Press Freedom Day.
May 3rd 2007 marks World Press Freedom Day. Throughout the world, 3 May serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news. This year, UNESCO invites all participants to discuss the rising challenges to the safety of media professionals, identify the specific dangers journalists face when working in conflict areas, consider the problem of impunity with regard to attacks on journalists, and explore measures that can be taken to improve the safety of journalists. Based on this call, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) has chosen as its theme Society, the Media and Impunity.
“The rights to life and to liberty and integrity and security of person and also to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights that are recognized and guaranteed by international conventions and instruments.” (UNESCO Resolution, General Conference 1997)
The role of the media in promoting human rights is indisputable. To deny this right is to deny the universality of information freedom — a basic human right. Not only do free and independent media act as guardians of human rights and watchdogs against abuses by authority, they also provide citizens with the information they require to exercise their democratic rights, notably in times of election. The media also disseminates information that is crucial for the life and development of communities. They have an essential contribution to make to the achievement, scheduled for 2015, of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals, including the eradication of extreme poverty, achieving universal basic education, promoting gender equality and combating HIV-AIDS. It is undisputable that The Gambian media has played a pivotal role in informing, educating and entertaining The Gambian public.
It is also acknowledged that the space has been provided for the independent press to participate in information dissemination. There is a vibrant private press and journalists are invited to press conferences and government and civil society functions. At the level of the judiciary, they have been allowed access to the courts including high profile cases such as the treason trials and in the case of the legislature they report on the National Assembly proceedings. Thus the 4th estate has improved relations with the three arms of government.
In The Gambia one of the major topics to be discussed during Press Freedom Day will be dedicated to an extremely grave and disquieting problem that is the arrests and detention of Gambian journalists without taking them to trial. We are also concerned about the majority of crimes committed against journalists and other media professionals that remain unpunished. The case of Fatou Jaw Manneh, the continued disappearance/detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh and the protracted court case of Lamin Fatty are issues of concern.
In exercising their duties, journalists and other media people are at risk to their persons and properties. Deyda Hydara lost his life and the perpetrators of this heinous crime have not yet been brought to book. The printing press of the Independent Newspaper has been burnt down and Radio 1 FM was also burnt down. It is disheartening that the perpetrators of these crimes go unpunished. “Impunity is freedom from punishment or injury.” The fact that these crimes have gone unpunished has been a grey area between the independent press and government and has served to force the press to impose self censorship. It has also served to make the Press especially the private electronic media to focus on less sensitive areas and to avoid governance and other issues.
According to Timothy Balding, CEO of the World Association of Newspapers stated “The number of crimes against journalists’ violence against media professionals and their institutions remains one of the greatest threats to freedom of expression and press freedom. According to Reporters Without Borders, 75 journalists and 32 media staff have been killed last year making 2006 the deadliest year on record. “Journalism today is more dangerous than ever. More than 500 journalists have been killed in the past decade, often for simply doing their jobs. These murders are a direct attack not only on individuals, but also on society as a whole. Yet few of the killers are ever brought to justice”.
In the last 15 years, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, about 85 per cent of all journalists’ murderers faced neither investigation nor prosecution for their crimes. “Even when murders were more fully investigated and some convictions obtained, the masterminds were brought to justice in just seven per cent of the cases”.
Murder, imprisonment and threats against journalists constitute a grave violation against the freedom of expression – and thus also threaten the foundations of democracy. Impunity only makes the situation worse. As long as perpetrators know that they will not be held accountable for the crimes they commit, journalists remain easy targets.
In 1997, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted Resolution 29 “Condemnation of violence against journalists” condemning violence against journalists. It aims at sensitizing governments, international and regional organisations on this topic and thus tries to fight against the existing culture of impunity. It would be good to review with all of the professional partners the efforts that have been made and the structures that have been built up in order to implement this resolution.
“Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms. It encourages transparency and good governance; it ensures that, over and above the mere rule of law, society enjoys the rule of true justice. There are however, those who still question the value of freedom of speech to their societies; those who argue that it threatens stability and endangers progress; those who still consider freedom of speech an imposition from abroad and not the indigenous expression of ‘all people’s demand’ for freedom.”
The GPU as a body is concerned about the promotion of the press and freedom of expression. It believes in protecting and safeguarding the rights of the journalists. All media persons, human rights activists and concerned persons should join hands in advocating the rights of journalists and report incidences violating press freedom, free expression and violation of rights of media workers and rights activists guaranteed under existing national laws and international instruments. We must not forget that continued vigilance is the key to protect our rights and freedom.
Based on this we call on the Government, CSO, the general public to see 3rd May, Press Freedom Day as:
· a day of action to encourage and develop initiatives in favor of the freedom of the press;
· a day to assess the state of press freedom worldwide;
· a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to press freedom;
· a day to alert the public and to increase awareness of the importance of freedom of the press;
· a day to reflect on and to encourage debate among media professionals on the issues of press freedom and professional ethics;
· a day of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession; and
· a day of support for media which fall victim to any measures which restrain, or seek to abolish, freedom of the press.
The Gambia Press Union
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 50/2007, 2 – 3 May 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2007 : 13:44:48
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Foroyaa Editorial:
Society, Media and Impunity
The Lessons Behind Press Freedom Day
Governments are supposed to exercise authority without fear or favour, affection or ill will, in accordance with prescribed laws or constitutional provisions. Impunity constitutes the exercise of power outside the guards and fences of the law, in gross disregard of truth and justice. Press Freedom Day is designed to remind government and people of the need to respect freedom of expression which is the foundation of every society based on representation. In short, representation goes hand in hand with accountability.
Accountabily is impossible without scrutiny. Scrutiny is meaningless without the right to express or criticise what is wrong and recommend what is right. Freedom of expressiuon should therefore be protected in every society. In a genuinely democratic society, the Media serves as an instrument for the amplification of the voices of the people. In an open society, there is great tolerance for freedom of expression. Under tyrannies, there is great intolerance for freedom of expression. This is precisely the reason why the international community utilises Press freedom day to highlight the experiences of best and worst practices so that our societies may learn what to avoid and what to emulate,
As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the Gambia Government, in particular, and the Society, at large, should ask whether The Gambia provides a good or bad example regarding the respect for and protection of press freedom.
Foroyaa wants the Government not to dismiss the opinion of CPJ that The Gambia ranks among the ten countries with governments that have shown the least respect for freedom of expression. A country which ignores criticism cannot grow. One fact that no one can dispute is that the Gambian media has been very evenhanded in scrutinising both the Government and the Opposition. All Gambians who follow the comments of Gambian journalists at home and abroad would notice that they are trying to be impartial in their scrutiny of both the Government and the Opposition. An honest journalist cannot be partial in the presentation of reports. The politically tolerant cannot be offended by opinions of others; on the contrary, one must exercise one’s freedom of expression to refute the opinions expressed by others. It is in this regard that the opposition in the Gambia has shown greater tolerance than the ruling APRC.
It is a great tragedy that Citizen FM, SUD FM and The Independent are still unable to function. It is unacceptable that Chief Manneh is still at large. It is still amazing that the ruling APRC lacks the competent personnel capable of combating opinions with opinions instead of relying on arrests and detentions.
Any Party which can be threatened by the ball of a pen is indeed an intellectually weak party that is not fit to govern in a knowledge based society of the 21st century. We therefore hope that as a society, the people and the Government will strive to know the significance and use of the Media to avoid abuse of state authority and civic rights to the detriment of the citizenry.
It is incontrovertible that the media houses that are true to the profession will make it their daily duty to provide outlet for the expression of the needs and aspirations of the people. This includes opinions on how their country is governed and how services are being delivered. These opinions enable a government to know what needs to be addressed and what shortcomings to rectify.
In the same vein, the media enables the society to transmit values and share experiences or practices that can enhance liberty, prosperity, recreation and happiness. No modern society can function without a free media which publishes truth in good faith in the interest of the members of society.
A Government which is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of a people must rely on information to serve as raw material for policy formulation. It must rely on information to assess the impact of the implementation of policies.
This is why the media is indispensable to a democratic government and society.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 51/2007, 4 - 6 May, 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2007 : 13:44:48
|
Foroyaa Editorial:
Society, Media and Impunity
The Lessons Behind Press Freedom Day
Governments are supposed to exercise authority without fear or favour, affection or ill will, in accordance with prescribed laws or constitutional provisions. Impunity constitutes the exercise of power outside the guards and fences of the law, in gross disregard of truth and justice. Press Freedom Day is designed to remind government and people of the need to respect freedom of expression which is the foundation of every society based on representation. In short, representation goes hand in hand with accountability.
Accountabily is impossible without scrutiny. Scrutiny is meaningless without the right to express or criticise what is wrong and recommend what is right. Freedom of expressiuon should therefore be protected in every society. In a genuinely democratic society, the Media serves as an instrument for the amplification of the voices of the people. In an open society, there is great tolerance for freedom of expression. Under tyrannies, there is great intolerance for freedom of expression. This is precisely the reason why the international community utilises Press freedom day to highlight the experiences of best and worst practices so that our societies may learn what to avoid and what to emulate,
As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the Gambia Government, in particular, and the Society, at large, should ask whether The Gambia provides a good or bad example regarding the respect for and protection of press freedom.
Foroyaa wants the Government not to dismiss the opinion of CPJ that The Gambia ranks among the ten countries with governments that have shown the least respect for freedom of expression. A country which ignores criticism cannot grow. One fact that no one can dispute is that the Gambian media has been very evenhanded in scrutinising both the Government and the Opposition. All Gambians who follow the comments of Gambian journalists at home and abroad would notice that they are trying to be impartial in their scrutiny of both the Government and the Opposition. An honest journalist cannot be partial in the presentation of reports. The politically tolerant cannot be offended by opinions of others; on the contrary, one must exercise one’s freedom of expression to refute the opinions expressed by others. It is in this regard that the opposition in the Gambia has shown greater tolerance than the ruling APRC.
It is a great tragedy that Citizen FM, SUD FM and The Independent are still unable to function. It is unacceptable that Chief Manneh is still at large. It is still amazing that the ruling APRC lacks the competent personnel capable of combating opinions with opinions instead of relying on arrests and detentions.
Any Party which can be threatened by the ball of a pen is indeed an intellectually weak party that is not fit to govern in a knowledge based society of the 21st century. We therefore hope that as a society, the people and the Government will strive to know the significance and use of the Media to avoid abuse of state authority and civic rights to the detriment of the citizenry.
It is incontrovertible that the media houses that are true to the profession will make it their daily duty to provide outlet for the expression of the needs and aspirations of the people. This includes opinions on how their country is governed and how services are being delivered. These opinions enable a government to know what needs to be addressed and what shortcomings to rectify.
In the same vein, the media enables the society to transmit values and share experiences or practices that can enhance liberty, prosperity, recreation and happiness. No modern society can function without a free media which publishes truth in good faith in the interest of the members of society.
A Government which is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of a people must rely on information to serve as raw material for policy formulation. It must rely on information to assess the impact of the implementation of policies.
This is why the media is indispensable to a democratic government and society.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 51/2007, 4 - 6 May, 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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|
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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 10:07:49
|
U.S. AMBASSADOR SPEAKS
On Press Freedom Day And The Women of Courage Award
Amie Sillah Reporting
Ambassador Stafford quoted a recent statement by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. “There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press, in fact, our founding father, Thomas Jefferson, called it the “Fourth Estate” and by that he meant that without a free and active press the people could not be certain that their views would be known to their leader and that their leader’s view would be known to them.”
The Ambassador underscored the words of the U.S Secretary of State for the importance of a free, lively, and responsible press that informs and educates the public, and holds its leaders accountable. He stressed that the notion of accountability is crucial in all democratic societies; that is, in democracies, the government is accountable to the people for its actions.
The press, he said, and the media institutions in general, have a major role to play in this regard. He went on, “Citizens in democracies expect to be informed about decisions their governments make on their behalf, and the press facilitates this” right to know “by serving as a watchdog over governments, helping citizens to hold government accountable, and questioning its policies. Democratic governments permit the press to fulfill its oversight role by giving journalists access to senior officials for interviews, by issuing public documents about government decision, and by avoiding censorship.”
He continued, “the press, for its part, must act responsibly. Through professional associations, independent press councils, and “ombudsmen,” in house critics who hear complaints from readers, the press responds to complaints of its own excesses and renders itself accountable.” He said in a democracy, the public is called upon to make choices and decision. That in order for the public to trust the press, journalists must provide factual reporting based on trustworthy sources and information. “False and biased reporting, sensationalism, plagiarism are all counter productive for the development and strengthening of a free press” He said.
He concluded the issue on World Press Freedom Day by assuring The Gambia Government, as well as, its citizens and media institutions, that they can count on the support of the U.S Government and the U.S Embassy.
The second event was the belated celebration of International Women’s Day which is observed on March 8 of every year. The ambassador dilated that in 2007, Secretary of State Rice, decided that the U. S Government should give special recognition annually to women throughout the world who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and advancement. She announced an annual award for international women of courage and asked U. S Embassies to submit candidates for the award.
Ms. Hannah Forster, a Gambian woman of substance, was the chosen among the multitude for 2007. The ambassador continued to pay a tribute on Hannah. “She is a tireless and eloquent Champion of women’s rights and human rights generally in The Gambia and throughout the region.” He said since his arrival to The Gambia some three years ago he has been impressed by Hannah’s dedication, activism, courage, unswerving commitment to promoting the advancement, the equality, the dignity of women. He gave some examples such as her advocacy on the AU women protocol, FGM, capacity building of women rights organisations; that Hannah is always at the forefront of national and regional efforts to bring about reform and change for women, he concluded.
Statement By Mrs. Forster, Executive Director ACDHRS
Hannah displayed great humility in receiving the honour on behalf of the Gambian women, in particular, and African women, in general. She gave a history of the human rights struggle in Africa, the struggle to occupy the positions of decision making for men and not to talk about women, the challenges, the constraints and the way forward. She dilated on the AU women protocol as a widely used instrument to struggle for women rights in Africa. Now the next hurdle since the AU women protocol has come into force is to make more states ratify and to make those who ratify to domesticate it into their state laws to benefit women and children in their countries. “The road is rough and thorny but with God’s grace and steadfastness God will see us through,” she said. She called for women solidarity and networking. “We should unite on our commonality to ensure we gain our rights and achieve peace, progress and prosperity and we should forge partnership with men and boys who care. We have our differences but that does not mean we are enemies. We have to learn to agree to disagree and finally to create a common ground to carve our destiny.” She urged women to fight the Pull Her Down (PHD) syndrome and come together, pull our strengths to fight and achieve a common cause despite our specificities, differences and divergences.
Hannah thanked the U.S Government and U.S ambassador for having confidence in her and the principles she stands and works for. She promised to do her best to serve humankind. Before she read her statement, she asked the audience to stand for a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the shooting at Virginia Tech. Present were staff of the US Embassy, Journalists, Gender Activists, Diplomats, members of the legal Profession, Staff of ACDHRS, Hannah’s friends and well wishers.
Commentary
As a gender activists, a sister and a friend I wish Hannah many more prestigious awards, good health, prosperity, steadfastness and courage to continue the struggle for ever. She is a role model.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 52/2007, 7 – 8 May 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 10:07:49
|
U.S. AMBASSADOR SPEAKS
On Press Freedom Day And The Women of Courage Award
Amie Sillah Reporting
Ambassador Stafford quoted a recent statement by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. “There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press, in fact, our founding father, Thomas Jefferson, called it the “Fourth Estate” and by that he meant that without a free and active press the people could not be certain that their views would be known to their leader and that their leader’s view would be known to them.”
The Ambassador underscored the words of the U.S Secretary of State for the importance of a free, lively, and responsible press that informs and educates the public, and holds its leaders accountable. He stressed that the notion of accountability is crucial in all democratic societies; that is, in democracies, the government is accountable to the people for its actions.
The press, he said, and the media institutions in general, have a major role to play in this regard. He went on, “Citizens in democracies expect to be informed about decisions their governments make on their behalf, and the press facilitates this” right to know “by serving as a watchdog over governments, helping citizens to hold government accountable, and questioning its policies. Democratic governments permit the press to fulfill its oversight role by giving journalists access to senior officials for interviews, by issuing public documents about government decision, and by avoiding censorship.”
He continued, “the press, for its part, must act responsibly. Through professional associations, independent press councils, and “ombudsmen,” in house critics who hear complaints from readers, the press responds to complaints of its own excesses and renders itself accountable.” He said in a democracy, the public is called upon to make choices and decision. That in order for the public to trust the press, journalists must provide factual reporting based on trustworthy sources and information. “False and biased reporting, sensationalism, plagiarism are all counter productive for the development and strengthening of a free press” He said.
He concluded the issue on World Press Freedom Day by assuring The Gambia Government, as well as, its citizens and media institutions, that they can count on the support of the U.S Government and the U.S Embassy.
The second event was the belated celebration of International Women’s Day which is observed on March 8 of every year. The ambassador dilated that in 2007, Secretary of State Rice, decided that the U. S Government should give special recognition annually to women throughout the world who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and advancement. She announced an annual award for international women of courage and asked U. S Embassies to submit candidates for the award.
Ms. Hannah Forster, a Gambian woman of substance, was the chosen among the multitude for 2007. The ambassador continued to pay a tribute on Hannah. “She is a tireless and eloquent Champion of women’s rights and human rights generally in The Gambia and throughout the region.” He said since his arrival to The Gambia some three years ago he has been impressed by Hannah’s dedication, activism, courage, unswerving commitment to promoting the advancement, the equality, the dignity of women. He gave some examples such as her advocacy on the AU women protocol, FGM, capacity building of women rights organisations; that Hannah is always at the forefront of national and regional efforts to bring about reform and change for women, he concluded.
Statement By Mrs. Forster, Executive Director ACDHRS
Hannah displayed great humility in receiving the honour on behalf of the Gambian women, in particular, and African women, in general. She gave a history of the human rights struggle in Africa, the struggle to occupy the positions of decision making for men and not to talk about women, the challenges, the constraints and the way forward. She dilated on the AU women protocol as a widely used instrument to struggle for women rights in Africa. Now the next hurdle since the AU women protocol has come into force is to make more states ratify and to make those who ratify to domesticate it into their state laws to benefit women and children in their countries. “The road is rough and thorny but with God’s grace and steadfastness God will see us through,” she said. She called for women solidarity and networking. “We should unite on our commonality to ensure we gain our rights and achieve peace, progress and prosperity and we should forge partnership with men and boys who care. We have our differences but that does not mean we are enemies. We have to learn to agree to disagree and finally to create a common ground to carve our destiny.” She urged women to fight the Pull Her Down (PHD) syndrome and come together, pull our strengths to fight and achieve a common cause despite our specificities, differences and divergences.
Hannah thanked the U.S Government and U.S ambassador for having confidence in her and the principles she stands and works for. She promised to do her best to serve humankind. Before she read her statement, she asked the audience to stand for a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the shooting at Virginia Tech. Present were staff of the US Embassy, Journalists, Gender Activists, Diplomats, members of the legal Profession, Staff of ACDHRS, Hannah’s friends and well wishers.
Commentary
As a gender activists, a sister and a friend I wish Hannah many more prestigious awards, good health, prosperity, steadfastness and courage to continue the struggle for ever. She is a role model.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 52/2007, 7 – 8 May 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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