By: Binta Jaiteh
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) recently trained religious and traditional leaders on regional and international human rights mechanisms.
The training aims to enhance understanding among participants of the challenges posed by conflicts, military coups, and human rights violations.
Speaking at the event held at Kairaba Beach Hotel, Minister of Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, hailed the training as it held immense significance for the entire continent.
“The consultation and training represent a thoughtful and progressive step towards a meaningful dialogue and understanding,” he said. “This consultation will not only bring together religious and traditional leaders from across Africa for invaluable networking opportunities, but it also reinforces the critical link between governance, tradition, and human rights,” Minister Bah added.
He underscored the government’s views in enhancing engagement with these mechanisms as fundamental to ensuring that human rights values are not merely respected but actively advanced. According to him, the core objective of the training is deeply aligned with The Gambia’s commitment to institutional strength and democratic consolidation.
“The effective conduit to achieve this is through the effective participation of our religious and traditional leaders who hold significant positions in the social hierarchy. Therefore, as we embark on this journey over the next few days, we must acknowledge the unique position that religious and traditional leaders hold in society,” Hon. Bah emphasized.
The representative of the Chief Justice of the Gambia, Isatou Jallow Sey, acknowledged the roles played by traditional and religious leaders in building, leveraging their moral authority and deep-rooted connections within communities to foster reconciliation and unity.
“This training is very timely, and it is therefore an important step in strengthening the link between that community and broader human rights systems. Through learning and sharing, we move close to a future where democracy, rule of law, and human rights are not just ideals but everyday realities,” she noted.
Mrs Jallow Sey called for the establishment of a network of religious and traditional leaders’ committees on human rights.
The lead facilitator, Nana K.A. Busia, opined that Africa should revisit its governance system, adding that the workshop seeks to look at how traditional leaders will protect rights.
“There are always issues about tradition. There is social contestation, which could turn out to be protective of rights could sometimes create tension,” he said.
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By: Binta Jaiteh The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) recently trained religious and traditional leaders on…
The post ACDHRS Trains Religious, Traditional Leaders On Rights Mechanisms appeared first on .
