FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Annia. B. Gaye
5 December 2007
Serrekunda — Mr. Baboucarr Boye, the Permanent Secretary Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, deputizing for his Secretary of State, noted that the integration of human rights education in the basic school system, coupled with developing a national implementation strategy report is important as it responds to one of the basic aims of the education policy 2004-2015. He said it would create awareness on the importance of peace, democracy, human right duties and responsibilities of individuals in fostering these qualities.
Mr. Boye made these remarks at the opening of a validation workshop of the report on the integration of Human Rights Education in the Gambian educational system and the development of a National implementation strategy. The workshop was held at Corinthia Atlantic Hotel in Banjul.
He said as they are committed to providing universal access to relevant and quality Basic Education, the inclusion of Human Rights Education is welcome.
He noted that UNESCO/ BREDA, in collaboration with the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, has started work on Human Rights as an integral aspect of the educational system, since 2002.
"Education for All' co-ordinators from the sub-region met in June 2002 to discuss strategies and work on a document that would assist them in integrating human rights and the culture of peace in the EPA National Action Plans of member states," he said. He added that after the meeting democracy, human rights and peace education were given prominence in the EPA National Action Plans of The Gambia.
Permanent Secretary Boye further said that UNESCO draws its focus on Resolution 59/113B of the United Nation's General Assembly, adopted in July 2005, charging the UN High Commission for Human Rights to popularize the first phase (2005-2007) of the Action Plan of the World Programme for Human Rights Education in primary and secondary schools. "This plan of action was to be disseminated and member states assisted to incorporate human rights education into their school systems," he said.
He observed that the 1997 Republican Constitution has guaranteed democracy and adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, fundamental freedom, and also provided that "Basic Education shall be free and compulsory."
He reiterated that UNESCO has contributed to the efforts of the international community in the promotion, encouragement of, and respect for, human rights and fundamental freedoms and is mandated to contribute to the creation of a universal culture of human rights by focusing on areas where it has comparative advantage.
He said UNESCO is presently working with the Islamic Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), in supporting the Research Policy Network on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Mr. Sukai M. Bojang, the Secretary General of NATCOM, in quoting the former Secretary General of the United Nations on International Human Rights Day, said that "Human Rights Education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day. It is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live a life of security and dignity."
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