Regional News of Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Source: GNA

Tema CHRAJ records reduction in cases last year

Tema, Feb. 06, GNA -- Tema Sub-Regional Office of Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) resolved 67 out of 81 complaints it received in 2007.

This represents 30 per cent reduction from 2006 when it received more than 116 complaints, Miss Mercy Mensah-Addo, Tema CHRAJ Sub-Regional Director told Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema. She said the complaints included children's and spousal rights, economic and social rights, administrative justice as well as civil and political rights related cases.

Ms Mensah-Addo noted that out of the complaints, 24 were on children's rights, two marital cases, six economic and social rights, 29 employment issues, eight civil and political related cases. She said 42 of the complaints involved men and 39 for women but no cases on incest, forced marriage, abduction and discrimination based on gender and right to life.

Ms Mensah-Addo explained that the reduction in human rights abuse in the municipality was due to the Commission's extensive public education through radio programmes, workshops and monitoring. "Public education programmes organised for 2007 was successful compared to 2006," she added.

Ms Mensah-Addo, said the Commission formed human rights clubs in eight Senior High Schools in the municipality to create human rights friendly environments in schools and in addition inculcate the respect of human rights in children at an early age. She commended educational institutions, security agencies, corporate bodies and some individuals for their immense contribution to resolve some of the complaints. Ms Mensah-Addo called on the public especially employers and parents to respect the human rights of their employees and children. 06 Feb. 08