By Amin Kef Sesay
The Election Conflict Prevention and Mediation Group (IRC, CHRDI, EWSL), National Electoral Commission (NEC), together with other stakeholders have engaged the Kpeje-Bongre and Penguia chiefdoms stakeholders and community members in Kailahun district, Eastern region.
During the event the Chief Executive Officer of Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul Fatoma, highlighted that human rights cement the bond between individuals and promote peaceful coexistence, thereby making societies more resilient.
He furthered that sustaining peace further promotes a holistic approach integrating all three pillars of the UN’s engagement, human rights, peace, security, and development so as not only to contain the immediate consequences of conflict but also to prevent the outbreak of violence by addressing the root.
According to him, non-prosecution for certain violations are often drivers of conflict maintaining that monitoring human rights therefore could provide early warning of and help prevent destabilization of societies.
“We provide support to political parties, civil society organisations and the community in protecting and promoting human rights, including the equal rights of men and women, while ensuring security,” he disclosed.
Abdul Fatoma pointed out that their work includes efforts to improve the protection of human rights in the security sector, to support women’s participation in promoting peace and security, to strengthen democratic institutions and practices, including elections, and to bolster the rule of law.
He urged all to respect the law and conduct themselves properly against the forthcoming bye-election in Constituency 010 within Kailahun District in order to prevent degeneration into a full blown chaos and anarchy in that part of the country.
