By: Mariama Njie
Beakanyang a leading human rights organization in the country on Tuesday announced opening of nominations for its 2020 annual human rights ‘Hero award.’
Speaking at a press conference, Nfamara Jawneh, executive director of Beakanyang revealed that the 2nd annual human rights hero awards will be held on international human rights day 10th December in Basse, Upper River Region.
“The reason for choosing to organize this year’s ceremony in urban area is because on the World’s human rights day a lot of activities take place within the Greater Banjul, and those in the urban areas don’t have access to know what is happening, that is why we are organizing the awards ceremony in Basse,” he pointed out.
He said the ceremony will seek to honor and publicly recognize the important work of human rights defenders in the Gambia by given out awards to those who have demonstrated courage, innovation, significant impact in the promotion and protection of human rights fundamental freedoms.
“The awards will be presented in two categories, the human rights Hero of the year and the young human rights defender of the year awards and the winners will receive cash,” he disclosed.
Jawneh stated that human rights defenders are recognize around the globe by institutions and countries, pointing Gambia and Gambians need to recognize their human rights defenders.
Therefore Beakanyang deem it necessary to recognize human rights heroes in this country, he said.
He urged government and other institution to partner with Beakanyang in the advocate and promotion of human rights in the Gambia.
Madi Jobateh, Human Right Campion, also said the awareness and appreciation of human rights defenders is very limited in this country.
He added: “looking around the violations of rights of Gambians is wide spread and therefore recognizing its defenders is worth.”
Jobateh further commented Beakanyang for recognizing human rights heroes, adding that this will promote national development.