African Commission on Human and peoples’ Right (ACHPR), on Wednesday, convened a press briefing on the commemoration of the African Human Right Day and the 20th Anniversary of the ACHPR.

The press briefing sought to raise awareness on human rights as enshrined in the African Charter, the functions and activities of the African Commission and States obligations, under the Charter, especially among the youths. It also aims to encourage journalists, human rights defenders in the African continent.

According to Robert Eno, Senior Legal Officer at the African Union Secretariate in Banjul, the Commission meets twice in a year to discuss human rights situations on the continent, which attracts State parties, NGOs, academic institutions, inter-governmental organisations, and UN agencies, to enhance the enjoyment of human rights.

Dr Feyi Ogunade, Senior Legal Officer, at the ACHPR Secretariat in Banjul, noted that the adoption of the African Charter in 1981 and the establishment of the African Commission in 1987, signaled a new beginning in the promotion of human rights on the continent.

Dr Feyi said the African Human Rights Day, was recommended by the African Commission at its 50th Ordinary Session in April 1989, in Benghazi, Libya.

According to him, the Commission planned a series of events for the 20th Anniversary celebrations, which include a soccer tournament for students in  Lower Basic Schools , a lecture on human rights, workshop for West African journalists, a road race for students in Lower Basic Schools, and a march-past for the public.

Dr Feyi Ogunada informed journalists that these events provide an opportunity to engage Gambians in the activities of the African Commission.