GHRA silent on channa bombings PDF Print E-mail
Written by JEMEL SEMPLE
Thursday, 15 December 2011 01:04
FOLLOWING on the heels of the opposition once again, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has added its voice in support of the non adherence to the rule of law in Guyana.
While one would agree that protest action is a feature of a working democracy it is critical to understand that democracy does not operate in a vacuum. And therefore for any democracy to properly function, adherence to the rule of law is perhaps even more vital. Furthermore, the Guyana experience as it relates to protest action is one that has been plagued with arson, banditry, outright chaos and pandemonium and while no such was present in the December 6, 2011 protest by APNU, one would want to question the wisdom behind such an action especially taking into account that permission was not granted.
Mike Mc Cormack saw it fit to condemn the actions of the GPF, but conveniently remained silent on the throwing of Molotov cocktails at the homes of Philomena Sahoye-Shury and Odinga Lumumba. You see Mr. McCormack, human rights is a fundamental aspect of any democracy and should therefore be veiled from political bias. These acts which constitute a direct attack on the persons of Mrs. Sahoye-Shury and Mr. Lumumba could have resulted in dire consequences and ought to be condemned with the same fervour.
Until the GHRA understands its role in the society, that is, being in the vanguard of human rights, meaning all humans not just the voice for criminals but also for victims, then and only then should they be taken seriously. Thus far, they have now become an additional voice to trample upon the rule of law.
Written by JEMEL SEMPLE
Thursday, 15 December 2011 01:04
FOLLOWING on the heels of the opposition once again, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has added its voice in support of the non adherence to the rule of law in Guyana.
While one would agree that protest action is a feature of a working democracy it is critical to understand that democracy does not operate in a vacuum. And therefore for any democracy to properly function, adherence to the rule of law is perhaps even more vital. Furthermore, the Guyana experience as it relates to protest action is one that has been plagued with arson, banditry, outright chaos and pandemonium and while no such was present in the December 6, 2011 protest by APNU, one would want to question the wisdom behind such an action especially taking into account that permission was not granted.
Mike Mc Cormack saw it fit to condemn the actions of the GPF, but conveniently remained silent on the throwing of Molotov cocktails at the homes of Philomena Sahoye-Shury and Odinga Lumumba. You see Mr. McCormack, human rights is a fundamental aspect of any democracy and should therefore be veiled from political bias. These acts which constitute a direct attack on the persons of Mrs. Sahoye-Shury and Mr. Lumumba could have resulted in dire consequences and ought to be condemned with the same fervour.
Until the GHRA understands its role in the society, that is, being in the vanguard of human rights, meaning all humans not just the voice for criminals but also for victims, then and only then should they be taken seriously. Thus far, they have now become an additional voice to trample upon the rule of law.
