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Momodou
Denmark
11730 Posts |
 Posted - 10 May 2010 : 15:16:46
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Justice Minister raises concern on human rights
By Abdoulie Nyockeh
Monday, May 10, 2010
 Picture: Minister Edu Gomez
Edward Gomez, The Gambia's Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has said that "while there has been marked progress in terms of improving democracy and the human rights situation in some areas in the continent (Africa), a lot more remains to be done in other parts."
According to Mr. Gomez, human rights violations continue on a daily basis.
"Some countries in the spotlight are Niger, Somalia, Guinea Conakry, and Sudan, to name but a few," he added.
Justice Minister Gomez maintained that Africa, therefore, has a long way to go in relation to its development and human rights record.
"Nevertheless, I am optimistic that we shall overcome the hurdles if we inject more spirit and commitment, as well as belief in our dreams," he said.
Mr. Gomez made these remarks on Saturday while officially opening the three-day NGOs forum, which is preceding the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, currently underway at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
"The main aim of the NGOs forum is to foster closer collaboration among NGOs and with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights for the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights in Africa," he observed.
"The African Commission, is indeed, very important in the work of human rights in Africa. It is the only body mandated to promote, protect and interpret the African Charter on Human and Peoples#146; Rights; and it is the main regional instrument that directs the rhythm of other African regional instruments on human rights," Mr. Gomez further noted.
In his view, it is pertinent that governments and NGOs work together, and to bear in mind the responsibility attached to this relationship, noting that "there is strength in unity."
"It is only through concerted efforts that we can overcome the challenges facing our countries, regions and our continent at large," he said.
The Gambian Minister noted that NGOs have played and continued to play unprecedented roles in society, which he added, range from setting international human rights standards, documenting human rights violations, to their advocacy role in lobbying for the effective enforcement of the provisions enshrined in human rights instruments.
"NGOs are, therefore, increasingly becoming indispensable. In recent years, we have witnessed a multiplicity in the numbers of NGOs in the African continent, which undoubtedly manifest the increase in pluralism and democracy, especially when we take stock of the fact that authoritarian and paternalistic governments have either outlawed or restricted NGOs in their operations," he said.
"My government recognises the efforts of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, in facilitating this forum, to enable NGOs to fully participate in the work of the African Commission, which is mandated to oversee the implementation and interpretation of the rights and duties set up under the African Charter on Human and Peoples#146; Rights," he added.
In her keynote address, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHR), Hannah J. Forster, envisaged a daunting task ahead as human rights advocates, and called for steadfastness.
"The challenges are immense, but as human rights NGOs and civil society organisations, we must continue to live up to the ideals we preach in order to consolidate the foundation already laid - of a perpetual struggle against impunity and injustice, and thereby promote peace and liberty," she said.
She further posited that a change in attitude towards human rights and democracy had achieved observable changes in priorities among governments, as well as at the international level.
According to the agenda of the forum, there will be several panel discussions, among them, United Nations Resolution 1325, the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, amongst others .
Source: Point Online
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11730 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 15:19:20
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Justice Minister Claims He’s a 'Protagonist Human Rights Defender'
By Saikou Ceesay & Madi Njie
"I am a protagonist and defender of human rights, a very fervent one for that matter," said The Gambia’s Justice Minister, Mr. Edu Gomez. He made this remarks while delivering his keynote address at the opening of the Forum on the participation of NGOs in the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Saturday, 8 May 2010 at Kairaba Hotel, Senegambia.
Beefing up his point, Gomez said US Embassy in The Gambia, in recognition of the need to respect and protect human and peoples’ rights funded a year-long radio program on City Limits radio, educating people on human rights issues.
He said the radio program raises awareness of people on violations on their rights and guide them on the remedies afforded by law.
"I happened to run that program for a whole year. After the end of the one year, there was a popular demand for the programme to continue. I continued running it until my appointed as minister. I hope that somebody continues to run it," he said.
To Mr. Gomez, "human rights are sacrosanct and invaluable, and not subject to any form of negotiation. Now, by virtue of the fact that we are humans, we are endowed with certain rights, which emanate from God the Almighty. Many constitutions have clearly written down those rights.
"Here in The Gambia, those rights are contain the 1997 constitution, specifically chapter 4, which reads … [provides for] Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedom [which reads]: the fundamental rights and freedom enshrined in this constitution shall be respected and protected by all organs of the executive and agencies, the legislature, and where applicable by them, by all neutral and legal persons in The Gambia and shall be enforceable by the court in accordance with this constitution."
He said all lawyers know that the word ‘shall` is imperative, adding that "wherever there is a breach of human rights as contained in this Chapter, the courts have a duty to enforce those rights.
He further noted that the constitution guarantees that every person in The Gambia, regardless of his or her colour, race, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, poverty or other status, shall be entitle to fundamental rights and freedom contained in this Chapter, but subject to respect for the rights and freedom of others, and for the public interest.
"If the rights enshrined in the constitution are enforced, that individual should bear in mind that such rights should not violate the rights of others, or against the public interest. Where a right will jeopardize the stability of the state, those rights will be suspended for the time been," said Justice Minister.
Gomez went on: "In acknowledging our fundamental rights, we also affirm our duties and responsibilities as citizens of this country," he said, pointing out that every country in the world today has a constitution which enshrines and recognizes human rights.
According to him, the concept of human rights can be traced back in history. He said there was a time in England when people where treated like properties, slaves, certain class of people such as the lowest class of society had to bow to the soil for their masters, and their statuses were left unchangeable. He said those people used to work for their masters, fight wars, and have no choice, but then, as time went on the English people believe this cannot go on, and this led to the signing in 1215 of their Charter of Freedom, the Magna Carter.
"Today we are blessed that every country can come up and claim that this is our charter of liberty, the constitution. It is undisputable that human rights need to be defended.
"Every lawyer who adheres to the principles of participating in the dispensation of justice will fight fervently for the defense of human rights," he said, without that society is not safe, and there cannot be justice, and if there is no social justice, there cannot be advancement.
We shall bring you full report of the NGOS forum in our subsequent editions.
Source: Dailynews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 15:35:05
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"I am a protagonist and defender of human rights, a very fervent one for that matter," said The Gambia’s Justice Minister,
Errrrrrrrrr..........NOT necessarly he is a lawyer and barrister words are his living 
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 16:52:41
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"...the constitution guarantees that every person in The Gambia,... shall be entitle to fundamental rights and freedom ... but subject to respect for the rights and freedom of others, and for the public interest..." ... "If the rights enshrined in the constitution are enforced, that individual should bear in mind that such rights should not violate the rights of others, or...the public interest. Where a right will jeopardize the stability of the state, those rights will be suspended for the time been,..."
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Clean your house before pointing a finger ... Never be moved by delirious Well-wishers in their ecstasy |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 19:14:10
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Janko,EVERY country recognises that" Where a right will jeopardize the stability of the state, those rights will be suspended for the time been,..." the only difference between countries is that some make it "the norm" whereas others use it in a less obvious fashion.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2010 : 09:37:17
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I predict Justice Gomez will not last long at his post. You don't serve under Jammeh and talk about human rights. It is contradictory to his beliefs and practices.
Smart though.... notice the Justice minister did not mention Gambia or anything related to Gambia. Instead "Some countries in the spotlight are Niger, Somalia, Guinea Conakry, and Sudan, to name but a few," he added. . Oh where does Gambia stand on this list?
He is walking a fine line and if he misses a step that would be it for him. The 5 STAR Luxury hotel is waiting...
I heard that Edu is close to the President and rumors circulating that he has a beautiful daughter many men may have an eye on including the President... but mark you edu... the man is much more dangerous to his close allides... his uncle Kujabi, Landing Sanneh, Bombardie, Yankuba, Jesus, and LangTombong just to name a few.
I believe that Gambia is among the worst human rights oppressors right now... |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2010 : 10:07:32
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"Demba" ,This is the most retarded statement coming out of your mouth this evening.Welcome back from your sojourn,see this is why I tend to quite you down for very valid reasons.1) you don't know a goddamn thing about Edu Gomez ,I was there the week he got promoted .He was on the radio every week hosting his radio program focusing on the constitution ,The laws ,whats legal and whats not ,He was taking calls from Gambians from all walks of life even the "Tuhh Kathey Jamba ye"busted with bags of dope were calling to see if their arrests were legal . Counterfeit crimes being covered up by authorities etc. This man is of high caliber regardless of how much you fools and cowards despise or disregard his efforts. I was there when he was telling average Gambians what the police can and cannot do, and if any police officer acts in an unprofessional manner,take their badge numbers and report it to the crimes unit,by the way did you know there is a complaints unit for that and it's effective,that's the very reason why most officers are fired nowadays for being investigated. Edu is a formidable gentleman and I hope someone is taking over his program simply because it was educative and effective,it gave the average Gambian a chance to understand the law applying real life scenarios. Most Gambians resist arrest and seem to think it's acceptable, I was there when they came to pick up a guy from his house ,well guess what ,his father said let them go and wait outside till he comes out ,this is his property. This was a guy who established residence at the said address and was wanted for a crime yet his father said NO ENTRY to the authorities. This is the last time i will tell you to get peoples personal lives out of your filthy mouth, what do you know about Edu's daughter, I know of some ugly kids I could be talking about . The last time I checked you were here crying like a baby over spill milk talking about slander and lies against you ,remember that. Why should he mention Gambia ,when it is the safe haven for other West Africans , Gambia has a personal problem with runaway slaves and that is the problem . ............................................................................Peace |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 11 May 2010 10:15:10 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2010 : 10:09:49
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
"I am a protagonist and defender of human rights, a very fervent one for that matter," said The Gambia’s Justice Minister,
Errrrrrrrrr..........NOT necessarly he is a lawyer and barrister words are his living
Of course! You got it Toubab... |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2010 : 12:25:27
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| Me Cynical ?..........Er Yes ! |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2010 : 10:30:40
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Moe, stop pretending as Gambia has the best human rights records. Don't give us that story of yours here when we know people have been shot at close range in the Gambia, we know that political opponents are jailed for speaking their minds. We know that people are framed and dump in jail for doing or saying nothing.
Edu knows why he did not mention Gambia because his life is on the line. I don't care if he had conducted a program in the Gambia. Wait and see what his fate would be with the dictator. Jammeh does worst with people with high calibre. All I said was Edu "walking a fine line" and we will repeat those stories again.
You are back with your immoral behavior but this time you will not go scot free. Go on and you will get a taste of your own medicine. My call the last time was to stop any insults on this forum and I stand by that. You go that route you will be taken to task again.
Be civil for once... when will you grow up? |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2010 : 20:49:09
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If you care to look up the word "immoral" in the Webster dictionary ,there is a picture of a "Jaikathey Gurru" smiling like a chomp associated with the definition. Let me reassure your Demba Baldeh, I can walk on top of you, over you ,possibly stomp on you, and ain't a damn thang you can do about it.
Pretending is the last thing for a player like myself to focus on . I never once said everything in Gambia is Cool and Dandy but with the given circumstances I know exactly whats wrong! I never said the laws are perfect either but in all essence ,what I am saying is that most of ya'll trying to make a name for your selves are ignorant with low ethical standards ,no journalism training, kinda like sheep in the pasture grazing.
Excuse me Demba ,OJ addressed that issue about ,shootings and arrests and I will tell you how I feel and address that topic as need be. I said you have no ethical standards including all you posers running around with your blogs claiming newspaper. Trust me just like you I will walk cyberspace Scott free and ain't a damn thing any of you can do about it but droop your mouths
..............................................Peace
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 12 May 2010 21:01:33 |
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2010 : 06:03:25
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| Buma Tass Y Moe,Hahatie nah sah. |
There is no god but Allah |
Edited by - LEMON TIME on 13 May 2010 06:04:09 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2010 : 08:55:55
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"I said you have no ethical standards including all you posers running around with your blogs claiming newspaper".
I will be happy to measure my ethical standards to yours and your yardstick. What ethical standards do you know that you can preach to someone? Why can't you establish your own blog and establish your own standards?
I think there is something really wrong with you. It is either you have something to defend that is threatened in relation to the government or you are simply a hater of people who you don't know and don't care to know.
Just like you said you can do anything and nothing will come out of it... the samething with anyone else. We will run our blogs, brand ourselves as Journalists and practice journalism to whatever standard and nothing will come out of it period.
I think you will do yourself a great favor if you quit reading what others write. That is the only thing that can free your jealous mind. Delist from all the forums and get a piece of mind otherwise as long as you are here, am sorry you gonna have to deal with Gainako
and the herdsmen... and yes we are very proud of who we are regardless.
Besides, your president brand himself as a professor, a doctor, a witch hunter, a king, the most powerful and patriotic, most religious and a moron to make a name for himself; did you say anything about that? What ethical standard do you think that measure up to????
Everyone is free to do what they like and express their opinions in the manner they deem fit so long as it is within the law period. Love it or hate it... it is what it is... a free world... |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2010 : 09:20:03
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"Lolu Moie suma Plan" "Gai ye Toye leng". Come back tomorrow I promise I will be better......................................................Peacequote:
Originally posted by LEMON TIME
Buma Tass Y Moe,Hahatie nah sah.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2010 : 09:53:12
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Well for starters if that was my goal I could easily saturate the cyber world with websites, thats really not hard for some one with multiple Msc's brother man. I can tackle you from where I stand therefore no need for a propaganda machine ,take notes ,I am no terrorist,I can take shiit and turn it into something valuable so if you looking for a "size si dross" you better go to the next store behind Marche Serrekunda,they just might have a few Baba Gallehs for sale too.
Well you can brand yourselves whatever floats your boat, just remember no matter what title you come up with or what authority you claim to have, if you ever decide to take a stroll in cyberspace just remember you are in my KINGDOM.
Trust me am gonna be ruling with an iron fist this season,it really does not matter who the entity is and this includes the mischievous Dr Nyang,The retarded ambassador leaking state secret,The Mawbeh Pedophiles, and all the degenerates of the Gambian Diaspora.
I will pave the way for a better generation of politicians by force,since you and I both know that hiding behind the Gainako blog is just you trying to squeal since I know for sure you aint saying nothing bro , you are a politician, a bad one at that, I know you ain't no journalist ,first you said political commentator ,now journalist and President of WHAT! Ya'll can claim you can't hear me, but trust me I will and I am making an impact. All you Parrots will be properly trained Journalist if thats what ya'll aspire to be . You obviously have no background whatsoever in Journalism and lack the sensibility or might say motivation to know whats ethical and whats not. Trust me thats when I come into the picture . It's like an Almudou spending 90 percent of his time begging and 2 percent learning the Koran, but after a year he claims he is a Oustass.
Bring a camera and take a picture bro cos it will last longer,I will set the standard by which all of your fools will measure yourselves as long as you claim to be a journalist, by the time am done with ya'll "Inshaallah" . To my surprise, I thought I was all that and a bag of chips till I went to Gambia and discovered that the environment is saturated with innovative and progressive Gambians. I should have known that since I was never a top 10 student.
Everyday I will scope every Blog and whatever has substance If i feel or deem it necessary to give it my undeserving attention ,it really does not matter who the author is I will put them in check.................................................Peace
quote:
Originally posted by dbaldeh
"I said you have no ethical standards including all you posers running around with your blogs claiming newspaper".
I will be happy to measure my ethical standards to yours and your yardstick. What ethical standards do you know that you can preach to someone? Why can't you establish your own blog and establish your own standards?
I think there is something really wrong with you. It is either you have something to defend that is threatened in relation to the government or you are simply a hater of people who you don't know and don't care to know.
Just like you said you can do anything and nothing will come out of it... the samething with anyone else. We will run our blogs, brand ourselves as Journalists and practice journalism to whatever standard and nothing will come out of it period.
I think you will do yourself a great favor if you quit reading what others write. That is the only thing that can free your jealous mind. Delist from all the forums and get a piece of mind otherwise as long as you are here, am sorry you gonna have to deal with Gainako
and the herdsmen... and yes we are very proud of who we are regardless.
Besides, your president brand himself as a professor, a doctor, a witch hunter, a king, the most powerful and patriotic, most religious and a moron to make a name for himself; did you say anything about that? What ethical standard do you think that measure up to????
Everyone is free to do what they like and express their opinions in the manner they deem fit so long as it is within the law period. Love it or hate it... it is what it is... a free world...
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 13 May 2010 09:59:29 |
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