Honourable Members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Excellency Mrs. Aïcha L. Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union Commission;
Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited to the Republic of The Gambia;
Distinguished Delegates of African Union Member States;
Distinguished Representatives of International Organizations;
Distinguished Representatives of National Human Rights Institutions;
Distinguished Representatives of Non-governmental Organizations;
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
All protocols respectfully observed.
It is also my honour and privilege to attend the opening ceremony of the 56th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), which has been on a holding pattern for some time due to the Ebola crises in the sub region.. On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, the Government and the People of The Gambia, I welcome you all to the smiling coast of The Gambia and to the 56th Ordinary Session of the Commission. The Government of The Gambia is delighted to once again host a Session of the African Commission and it is my fervent hope that you will find the time to explore and enjoy our smiling coast during your stay.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
This 56th Ordinary session has been long anticipated giving the unfortunate Ebola virus epidemic that prevailed in some parts of West Africa. The fight against this deadly epidemic has been tremendous and worth commending. I will therefore like to appreciate and applaud the efforts made by various States around the world, regional and international organisations, as well as local communities who have worked and are still working vigorously in making sure that the Ebola virus is eradicated.
I will also like to take this opportunity to commiserate with those families that have lost their loved ones to this disease and to call on more stakeholders to continue working on strengthening the core requirements of the WHO International Health Regulations for the fight against Ebola, including surveillance, preparedness, immediate response and infection control.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
The Commission has for the past thirty years been working tirelessly towards the promotion and protection of human rights on the continent and I wish to recognize its excellent contributions and achievements in this domain. The Sessions of the Commission are therefore an important avenue, a melting pot, so to speak, for all stakeholders to carry out an objective assessment of the effective implementation of our obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights within which the Commission plays a pivotal role.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
For its part, the Government of The Gambia has been working steadily towards improving the lives of its citizens and ensuring that its obligations under the African Charter and other regional and international human rights instruments are adhered to. To this end, the Gambia has made tremendous strides in various areas, such as health, education, empowerment of Women and the youth, children’s issues; and agriculture in particular, its Vision 2016 food self-sufficiency drive, just to name a few.
It is worth noting that The Gambia has also adopted numerous laws and developed strategies in ensuring the implementation of its obligations under the African Charter and other regional and international human rights instruments. As was indicated to the Commission at its 53rd Ordinary Session, the Government of The Gambia has commenced consultations on the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat; and once established it will go a long way in enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights in The Gambia
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Away from The Gambia, other African States have also made great strides in the promotion and protection of humans rights in their respective countries. Some States Parties have adopted laws and various policies to fulfill their human rights obligations under various regional and international instruments. I would at this junction like to acknowledge the peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections that took place in Africa in 2014-2015: in, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa and most recently in Nigeria. Elections are the defining opportunity for people to freely exercise their civil and political rights and the recent elections trend in Africa is a manifestation that Africa can be proud of securing and counting on legitimate governments which will guarantee stability and development on the continent.
Despite these positive achievements on our continent, challenges still remain. Africa is still faced with conflicts and violence, terrorist attacks, socio-economic downturns, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and poverty amongst other issues already highlighted and underscored by former speakers. The Government of The Gambia would therefore like to reiterate its support and commitment to the African Union and the international Community, in their quest to end conflicts in Africa and beyond, and particularly in the fight against terrorism which has become a major concern adversely affecting the world.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Africa is our beloved Continent, let us all join our hands to make Africa a better continent. I am informed that the Commission during this Session will be considering eight (8) State Reports, Communications/Complaints, adopt recommendations and resolutions as well as, address urgent and complex issues of human rights on the continent. I am indeed confident that with all the enthusiasm associated with the postponement of the Session and seeing the number of participants here present; this Session will be a successful one,resulting in the adoption of accelerated responses to burning human rights issues on our continent.
The Gambia as the host country, is privileged to host Sessions of the Commission, and in light of this, I wish to express my delight and appreciation for the continuous collaborative relationship between the Commission and its host country. Having said this, on behalf of His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, the Government and the People of The Gambia, I once again welcome you all to The Gambia and wish you all fruitful deliberations during this important Session.
It is my singular honor and privilege to declare the 56th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights OFFICIALLY OPEN!
I thank you all for your kind attention.
