CSOs, media partner to promote Human Rights

A network for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and journalists has been formed to help the two parties coordinate in supporting the public in human rights related issues that will also involve creating awareness.During a workshop that brought together media practitioners and representatives from CSOs dealing specifically with human rights promotion, seven organizations were elected to provide members that will lead the network.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

A network for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and journalists has been formed to help the two parties coordinate in supporting the public in human rights related issues that will also involve creating awareness.

During a workshop that brought together media practitioners and representatives from CSOs dealing specifically with human rights promotion, seven organizations were elected to provide members that will lead the network.
 
Initiated by CLADHO, an umbrella body of Rwanda human rights organizations, a Memorandum of Understanding will by next month have been signed to establish and put clear the mandate of the leadership.

 "As CSOs, there are issues that we can easily identify which the media may not, but the opposite is also true.

Therefore, when we come together, we shall share this information and come up with an effective system in helping people understand as well as addressing such issues,” said Guido Ngamije Kirabo, CLADHO Chairperson.

"There is need to sensitize the public about their rights because according to our findings, among other challenges identified, some people believe it’s a crime to speak out for their rights,” said Dominque Bicamumpaka, the president of the Congress of Labour and Workers’ Brotherhood.

He called upon members of the network to work together in ensuring the network serves its purpose.

Journalists welcomed the initiative and promised to work hand-in-hand with every party concerned with promoting human rights.

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