Sections
DONATE
SUPPORT WWW.JOLLOFNEWS.COM
Account Login
UK Trade Unions call for in'l solidarity against Gambia`s human rights abuses
Thursday, 05 May 2011 15:08
(Jollofnews) - Trade unions in the United Kingdom have unanimously passed a motion condemning the prevalence
of abuse of human rights in The Gambia and called for an international solidarity in defense of fundamental human rights in the West African country.The Motion tabled by Kilmanock and Loudoun Trade Council at the 114th Scottish Trade Union Congress in Ayr Racecourse, from April 18th - 20th, cited Amnesty International`s report into the human rights situation in The Gambia, which documented unlawful arrests and detentions taking place routinely in the country.
According to the Amnesty report, when people fall into government custody they are subjected to further human rights violations, unfair trial and enforced disappearances. AI also noted in the report the fact that all public protests have ceased in Gambia, as well as constant harassment and intimidation the country`s journalists and lawyers are often subjected to in the course of their work.
The campaign to secure British trade union opposition to the human rights situation in The Gambia has been facilitated by the Campaign for Human Rights in The Gambia, through its campaign officer exiled Gambian journalist Alieu Badara Ceesay.
The sponsor of the trade union motion, Arthur West, Secretary General of Kilmanock and Loudoun Trade Council, said "The purpose of the motion is to highlight the very worrying situation in The Gambia. Since 1994, when the current president came to power, the human rights situation has deteriorated very badly".
Mr West who doubles as the Chairman of the Gambia Campaign UK added: "our campaign is absolutely delighted that the Scottih Trade Union Congress passed a motion giving full support to our efforts to raise awareness about the worrying human rights situation in the Gambia.”
He went on to say that following the resolution being passed, the General Council of the STUC will send out letters to every trade unions in the country urging them to support the campaign for human rights in the Gambia.
Joy Dun, president of STUC 2011, said: "As the president of the STUC, I was very proud that congress has passed a motion on Gambia human rights situation."
She pointed out that international issues are at the heart of the work of STUC and that it was great to see members of the Gambia Campaign attending the congress for “this great historic moment.”
"I hope the work continues in the trade union movement to build international solidarity against human rights abuses in The Gambia." she concluded.
Paul Hollerand of the National Union of Journalist noted that Gambia campaign has now been recognized as an international issue fighting for the rights of Gambians particularly journalists who are trying to expose corruption and despotism of President Yahya Jammeh.
"This is a great victory as it will be up and running within the trade union movement. I am delighted NUJ has played a major part in this motion. The STUC has a great reputation around the world for campaigning on international issues." he said.
CHRG Campaign Officer Alieu Badara Ceesay described the motion as a significant breakthrough and said that the trade unions involved have sent a clear message to the government of Yahya Jammeh that they will work hand in glove with Gambia campaign to mobilise public opinion in the UK against systematic abuse of the rights of the Gambian people.
Ceesay applauded the trade union movement for their support in defense of human rights in The Gambia.
Written by Jollofnews
Video of the Motion is available in youtube, ">STUC 2011 Gambia Motion.www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKHMrKMM-8g
Jollofnews Poll
Who do you think should be the next President of The Gambia?
Follow us on Twitter
-
McGuinness wants dissident talksDeputy First Minister Martin McGuinness offers to hold talks with dissident republicans, saying their violence...
-
Egypt candidate to seek election suspension: lawyerCAIRO (Reuters) - Leftist candidate Hamdeen Sabahy will file an appeal for Egypt's presidential election...
-
Bristol Rovers Speed Merchant Could Be Racing To Posh(GamSports) – Peterborough United are thought to be one of a number of Championship sides...
Comments
HUMAN RIGHTS MUST BE RESPECTED BY ALL!!!
ELSE WE SHALL CONTINUE EXPOSING THEM AT ALL COST.
RSS feed for comments to this post.