The Alliouagana Human Rights Group officially launched Human Rights Education in Montserrat on October 18, 2011 at the Brades Arts and Education Centre.
Mr. Anthony Maloney who chaired the launch ceremony explained that the Alliouagana Human Rights Group (AHRG) was formed in October, 2010, following a meeting with consultant Mr. Peter Ashman from the Commonwealth Foundation who coordinated an umbrella body, Building Human Right Capacity in the Overseas Territories.
Mr. Maloney told an appreciable audience that the AHRG consist of representatives from 11 local non-governmental organizations which include The Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross, The Montserrat Christian Council, Montserrat Association of Retired Persons, Montserrat Small Business Association, Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lady Foundation, Rotaract Club, The National Youth Parliament, The Farmers Association, WSG-10, and the Rotary Club.
According to Maloney the group applied for funding assistance from the Commonwealth Foundation after it was fully established, to conduct a national education program aimed at making the Montserrat population aware of their fundamental human rights and freedoms, and those under the Constitution. He noted that the process has started. He said sessions are planned for all places of learning, all established NGOs, church groups and the wider community.
The government through the Ministry of Labour with assistance from the Commonwealth Foundation produced a booklet which contains all the rights as they are set out in the Constitution but in a way that makes it easy for everyone to read and understand.
Human Rights Consultant from the Commonwealth Foundation Peter Ashman told the audience that other Overseas Territories are looking forward to using the booklet as a guide to produce a similar one for their peoples and their Constitutions.
Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour, Charles Kirnon, feature speaker at the launch said: “If all of us living here embrace these fundamental rights and freedom with the responsibilities they bring. We would be well on our way towards working for the betterment of our community through economic participation, voluntary work and other such effort to improve the life of all.”
The Deputy Premier said that in order for the people of Montserrat to feel secure that their fundamental rights and freedoms are practiced and guaranteed, government must ensure that the appropriate changes take place in the legislation, policy and practices.
Premier of Montserrat Youth Assembly Mr. Kamran Cabey admitted that most young people are not aware of their Human Rights. “It is of utmost importance that all people learn their fundamental Human Rights,” he said, urging the AHRG to make the best effort possible to educate members of the community about their human rights.
