FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Pateh Baldeh
9 November 2009
The Director of West Africa for the International Humanist and Ethical Union, Mr. Leo Iswe who is also the representative at the African commission on Human and Peoples Right in Banjul have briefed the press on the situation of human rights in the Gambia.
He indicated that his organisation is campaigning and promoting human rights activities in Africa because Human rights are the pillars of democracy. Mr. Leo said they were so disturbed when the president of the Gambia made a statement which gave the impression that Human Rights defenders are not welcomed it they are particularly interested with the Gambia. He said the Government should revisit human rights activities.
The government he said should be in position to protect Human Rights activities. He said the Gambia should be a leading example when it comes to the promotion of Human rights since the headquarters of the African Commission is located in the Gambia . He said that they have had real disappointment with the government of the Gambia as host of the regional body on human rights. He said they are ready to work with the government in the promotion of human rights in the Gambia.
Mr. Leo also condemns the hunting of people by witch craft practitioners which the country witnessed in the early part of the year. He told journalists that he visited some of the victims in their homes and found that many victims were innocent and live in huts or dilapidated housing conditions without electricity and good roads.
He went on to call on the government of the Gambia to come up with an explanation on those responsible for invading villages and abducting people who were taken away from their homes, to unknown destinations and forcing them to drink concoctions whose content they are not aware of. He also called on the government to come up with a compensation plan for all those victims and their families.
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