Women and girls in The Gambia are victims of gender-based violence

With very little support for redress, they are harassed to silence

Photo Credit: UN Photo / M. Perret -Violence against women

By Isatou Bittaye

As the commemoration of 16 Days Activism against Gender-Based Violence draws to an end on December 10 (Human Rights Day), I am providing a highlight on the struggle to end violence against women and girls.

Violence against women and girls continues to be a gross human rights violation that knows no boundaries of age, race, religion, region or nationality and its roots stems from gender inequality and discrimination.  Gender-based violence continues to be a threat to all women and an obstacle to efforts for development, peace and gender equality in all societies.

It is important to take stock and reflect on this year’s theme “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence against Women”.

Statistics from UN Women has shown that “one in every three women in the world will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.” Among women between the ages of 15-44, gender-based violence accounts for more death and disability than the combined effects of cancer, malaria, traffic injuries and war.

Human Rights: ACHPR 54th Session ends in Banjul with renewed commitment from NGOs

Panel on Freedom of Expression and Protection of Journalists’ Safety at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR (Photo Credit: Facebook/Omar Faruk Osman)

By Modou S. Joof

The 54^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACHPR, has ended on November 5 in Banjul, The Gambia with renewed commitment to promote human rights in Africa.

Newly appointed Chairperson of the ACHPR, Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie, says the October 22 – November 5 Session culminated in human rights NGOs renewing their commitment “to promote human rights in African for the benefit of all citizens to enjoy basic human rights.”

Generally, the human rights situation in Africa has seen massive violations with impunity for the last 50 years, according to rights groups.

Go beyond mere condemnation, human rights defenders tell African Commission

Panel on Freedom of Expression and Protection of Journalists’ Safety at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR (Photo Credit: Facebook/Omar Faruk Osman)

By Modou S. Joof

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) should go beyond mere condemnation [of human rights violations in Africa], a coalition of African Human Rights Defenders, AHRDs, said on Wednesday.

They encourage the Commission to take concrete steps to prevent and ensure redress for reprisals by designating a focal point to receive information, and to monitor and follow up on [rights violation] cases.

“It is vital that the Commission acts decisively to protect defenders in their all important role engaging with this Commission,” said Clement Voule, Manager, Regional and National Human Rights Defenders.

AFRICA: ‘Millions live undignified lives’

Fishmarket in Bakau (Photo credit: Wikipedia) – Majority of Gambian youth involve in small-scale business (fisheries, used-clothing) usually gather money to travel to Europe through the ‘Back Way’

By Modou S. Joof

Millions of our people [Africans] continue to live undignified lives, Catherine Dupe Atoki, Chairperson of African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), said on Tuesday in Banjul, The Gambia.

Many [Africans are] languishing in extreme poverty, without access to food, clean drinking water, proper healthcare, education and shelter, she said at the start of the 54^th Ordinary Session of ACHPR (October 22 – November 5, 2013).

Atoki note with dismay that many of the gains that have been made in several parts of the continent are constantly being eroded through the resurgence of conflict, terrorism, unconstitutional change of governments, gross human rights violations and the impunity that accompanies it.