Beakanyang awards Madi Jobarteh as human rights hero

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As part of its 2019 International Human Rights Day Commemoration activities, Beakanyang a human rights organization in The Gambia has on Friday, December 14, 2019 awarded Mr. Madi Jobarteh a renowned human rights activist as a Human Rights Hero.

The aard was presented to Mr.Jobarteh at a ceremony held at St.Peter’s Technical Senior School by officials of Beakanyang, Youth for Human Rights and National Human Rights Commission.

According to Nfamara Jawno Janeh, Executive Director of Beakanyang, Madi’s award is in recognition of his consistent and continuous efforts in advancing human rights in The Gambia.

In appreciation of the award Madi Jobarteh expressed gratitude to Beakanyang human rights organization which conferred on him as Human Rights Hero.

He described the award as an endorsement and a vindication of his belief and work in human rights.

“I am hugely honored and humbled as well as inspired and encouraged to continue the fight for ALL human rights FOR ALL,” he said.

He dedicated the award to the victims of human rights in The Gambia and everywhere in the world, the Gambian civil society, especially TANGO which gave him the platform and strength to promote human rights.

“I wish to also dedicate this award to partners who played invaluable role in empowering me in the promotion of human rights. Therefore let me dedicate this award to the human rights organization, Justice and Peace in The Hague, Netherlands and the UCG and City of Groningen and the amazing families of Lieuwe Rozema and Bettina van Bettina van Hoven and Rob Visser and Alexandra Crisan in the Netherlands – decent people who truly believed in my work and encouraged it. This award is a dedication to my daughters and their brother Hussain who are growing up into young activists for social justice and equality!,” noted Jobarteh.

He said he has always been inspired by this local grassroots human rights organization working in the farthest parts of our communities.

He added that the dream of attaining democracy and widespread respect and protection of human rights cannot happen until we build the knowledge and understanding of ordinary people about human rights.

“Human rights are about two things: Knowing and upholding RESPECT and DIGNITY of oneself and others! When a human being discovers and values one’s worth as a human being you therefore respect yourself and others. That respect is human rights!,” he pointed out.

He further stated that any person who attempts to or damages respect and dignity of others is not a person who values his or her human worth. Hence such a person will violate rights.

Beakanyang is a registered non-for-profit, non-political and independent development, advocacy and human rights organization in The Gambia, West Africa.

Beakanyang is a Mandinka word meaning equal opportunities for all. It was founded in 2001 and began full operation in summer 2004 after registration with the ministry of justice.

Beakanyang aims to enhance the participation of disadvantage people in issues relating to good governance, human rights, child rights, as well as women and youth development in The Gambia. The organisation has been actively working over the last years to enhance the participation of young people in issues relating to human rights, governance, as well as women and youth development in The Gambia.

The creation of the organization was in direct response to meet the needs and aspiration of the youth and women of the area we began operation. It grew from the felt need to effectively mobilize the mass participation of young people to get off their fence and work constructively for the building of a culture of peace, human rights, governance and transparency in the country.