PRESS RELEASE Beakanyang director receives human rights hero award in New York 5 Jul 2018 –Banjul
The executive director of Beakanyang and country coordinator of Youth for Human Rights The Gambia has been awarded with human rights hero award.
Mr Nfamara Jawneh was awarded during the award ceremony of the 15th annual International Human Rights Summit held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA from the 5-7 July 2018. The event was organized by Youth for Human Rights International in collaboration with Permanent Missions to the United Nations and leading NGOs. In presenting the award to the Gambian activist, Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, President of Youth for Human Rights International said the Human Rights Hero Awards acknowledged those whose courage and determination has raises the bar on human rights in their respective nations and communities. In receiving the award, Mr. Jawneh thanked Youth for Human Rights International and their partners at the UN for recognizing his efforts in promoting human rights in The Gambia. He reaffirmed his continue commitment in promoting human rights education in communities across the country noting that he was surprised by the recognition and would further inspire him to do more for his country and world at large.
“The Gambia as you may know has passed through a very difficult situation with regards to human rights but thank God since the fall of the dictator in 2016 we have started enjoying our rights,” he said. Meanwhile, Jawneh has since dedicated the award to his late father Pa Foday Jawneh for his efforts in nurturing him to be who he is today. Mr Jawneh was awarded along with Issa Sufyan of Iraq and David Kritsun of Israel in recognition of their exceptional and courageous efforts in promoting human rights in their respective countries and beyond.
This year’s Summit commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), its historic impact on the world and what we need to do now to get it further implemented across all nations. Opening Session on the first day of the Summit included high level diplomats and officials who greet the Youth Delegates from across the world and encourage them to become advocates for peace and equality.
The key feature of the annual International Human Rights Summit are advocates who are using education about UDHRas the tool to improve the state of human rights, resolve conflicts, foster gender equality and address other issues such as human trafficking. Youth were joined by officials and advocates from around the world who work for equality and justice through human rights education. Over 500 delegates from over 50 countries from across the globe attended the 2018 annual summit.
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is the youth component of United for Human Rights, a global nonprofit organization. Founded in 2001 in Los Angeles, there are now more than 150 Youth for Human Rights International chapters around the world. Their award-winning educational materials are available in 27 languages, bringing the message of human rights to 195 nations.
