Beakanyang Director Breaks into World’s Top 100 Human Rights Defenders
On International Human Rights Day, the executive director of the Gambian-based human rights NGO, Beakanyang [equality for all], Nfamara Jawneh, has been named by the International Human Rights Commission-RFT as part of the ‘Top 100 recognized human rights defenders in the world 2019 ALMANAC’.
Registered in 2004 as a community-based organization in Wuli, Beakanyang metamorphosed into an NGO in July 2016. Jawneh has been part of the progress of the organization by offering human rights education at the grassroots level including schools and local communities.
“I think this is something big, not only for Jawneh, but The Gambia as a country. It shows that despite our size this country can always dominate headlines globally. To me the recognition is a challenge,” he told The Chronicle on Thursday.
Jawneh was also awarded as a human rights hero by the United Nations’ Youth for Human Rights Awards last year in New York.
“The awards challenge me to do more for my country and for mankind in general by making sure every person in this country enjoys his or her fundamental human rights,” he said.
“It reminds us all that we might not know, but with the little work that we are doing in our small corners somebody somewhere is watching and following you, so this comes with a surprise, but at the same time I feel humbled.”
He hailed his staff for the commitment and excellent support they give as a team; constantly believing in the vision for the organization through which they serve the community.
He dedicated the recognition to the young people of The Gambia for the continuous determination and commitment that described their long standing collaboration in effecting change in the lives of people as sacrosanct to the concept of human rights.
International Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th to recognize and empower human rights. It mainly includes economic, social, cultural rights and international commitments on civil and political rights. Beakanyang will commemorate the day on Saturday, December 14th, where they are expected to award key human rights players including individuals and media houses in the country.
