By Alhagie F.S Sora The UNESCO National Commission (NATCOM) yesterday, Thursday, 19th June 2014, held a sensitization session with the Gambia college lecturers at the auditorium in Brikama on issues of basic human rights. The aim of the meeting, according to the organizers, was to build the capacities of the lecturers at the Gambia College School of Education on human rights issues. Madam Isatou Ndow, the Principal of the Gambia College School of Education, in her opening remark, noted the importance of the event and described the training as very important and timely. She urged all the participants to take up the issue seriously. She said human rights issues are and should be the concern of all, adding that there cannot be any meaningful development without the observance of fundamental human rights. She commended NATCOM and UNESCO for their foresight in choosing Gambia College for training on this very importance issue. For his part, Mr. Abubacarr Jallow, the Registrar at the Gambia College School of Education, expressed delight for being part of this activity and commended the organizers for the desire to capacitate lecturers on basic human right issues. He said that the importance of this sensitization cannot be over emphasized, adding that everybody should enjoy the fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the supreme law of the country i.e. the Constitution. He said everyone should know his or her rights, adding that one cannot fight for his or her right without knowing them. He also commended NATCOM for giving them such an opportunity. Mr. Yaya Al Mahtar Jobe, Secretary General of NATCOM, in his statement, said this is part of their mandate to promote peace building and peaceful coexistence in the country. He said human rights are issues for all and that life cannot endure without the observance of these basic rights. Mr. Jobe underscored the importance of the topic and urges all to take the issue as a matter of concern. He said there cannot be any meaningful development in the absence of human rights. He urged the lecturers to extend the sensitization into their classrooms during their lecture sessions. He said it is a right for everyone to know his/her fundamental rights and responsibilities so as to enable one to function effectively as a good and patriotic citizens. ]]>
