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RADDHO: Contributing to the Emergence and Development of Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace in Senegal

By Rebecca Wolozin

June 22, 2007

RADDHO was created on April 21, 1990 by a group of African intellectuals, most of whom were affiliated with the University Cheik Anta Diop, one of the best and largest universities in West Africa. Located in the Fann Residence of Dakar, RADDHO operates out of a small building with a courtyard and a conference room. These small quarters are well in use as the organization works to promote active citizenship and equality among the people. By guaranteeing respect of life and human dignity, RADDHO seeks to enhance peace, friendship, and solidarity in Senegal and around. In addition, their mission includes furthering the rule of law and democracy in Africa.

To achieve these goals, RADDHO spreads knowledge of the African Charter of Human Rights and African People as well as other pertinent international writings on justice to the general public, and works to ensure their effective implementation in individual African nations. This is accomplished by providing legal assistance to victims of human rights violations. In addition to increasing the spread of international writings on justice, RADDHO collects and disseminates information relating to Human Rights and the African People all over the world. They aim to raise public awareness and support in Senegal and around the world for the adoption of constitutional legislation that guarantees that governments respect human rights. RADDHO also aims to increase public denunciation of human rights violations. Additionally, the organization contributes to international dialogue and action by collaborating with other national and international organizations that have similar goals.

In the past month and a half, RADDHO has released press statements concerning the organization’s declaration on the Darfur Crisis; the death of Dominique Loby and the accusations of torture associated with it; and the US-based journalist Fatou Jaw Maneh who is being held in The Gambia on three charges of sedition. Most recently, RADDHO initiated a series of events associated with the “2ème Journée Mondiale pour le Darfour,” or the “2nd International Day for Darfur”. On that day, a round table discussion was organized to tackle the Darfur crises. Several Senegalese artists performed in concert and a march was led by youth to spread awareness and to protest the violence in Sudan. In addition, a television channel hosted discussions on the situation, streaming announcements on the Senegalese news channel 2STV. An exhibit about the violence in Darfur was also set up in several major cities, focusing on violence against women and children refugees. These activities were carried out in conjunction with those organized around the world to acknowledge and take action against the violence in Darfur.

The IIJD affirms the work of RADDHO and is pleased to recognize the organization for its efforts to establish justice in African nations. As an organization sharing many of the same ideals with the IIJD, RADDHO is active and widely acknowledged in its efforts to foster democracy and further justice and development in Africa. The organization has gained the trust of the Senegalese, and African in general, population, enabling it to legitimately comment on, observe, and criticize democratic processes and human rights violations. Such trust is a great asset in working toward a better, safer Africa.

More information on RADDHO can be found on the organization’s website (in French): 

http://www.raddho.africa-web.org. 

For more information on US-based journalist Fatou Jaw Maneh and Gambia, visit our publications and campaigns sections online.