Cameroon’s Defense Forces, wowed by Human rights advocacy campaignReform in Education Will Immensely Support Ethiopia’s Transformation: AAU INT Prez

With the crises in the Region, more cases of Human Rights violations have come up which explains the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP's initiative to organize a 1-day training program in Mindiff, Mayo Kani Division, Far North Cameroon to drill close to 105 Cameroonian military men and women on the importance of respecting Human Rights while safeguarding the civilian population as they tirelessly fight against the armed non-state group. The capacity building Workshop that took place on February 20, 2024, was aimed at making sure that the participants are better equipped to protect the rights of civilians. 'Defence and security forces play a very important role in Stabilisation. Without them, there can be no stabilization. But we have to be certain that what they do is in line with the respect of human rights that Cameroon Subscribe to through Conventions. So, we assist in training in the light of human rights which is also a necessity in the human rights' due diligence concept. So, we want to ensu re this Principle is respected and we come behind to reconstruct Schools, administrations, Police, and military Stations, with the means allocated to us''. Head of the UNDP Stabilisation Programme in Maroua said. 'The Cameroonian defense forces must respect its local population, respect the laws of the country and humanitarian laws so as not to be punished' the head of the Far North branch of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, Basini Wadepou said. 'It is important for them while conducting operations to earn the trust and support of the civilian population' Basini Wadepou added. UNDP officials however maintained, reports show that Human Rights abuses have reduced. 'We know they have learned about all these, but we thought it necessary to remind them once more. They should not just be hearers but more importantly, put the knowledge gained from the training into use by ensuring the protection of civilians and respect for human rights in their daily routine.' 'We need not brutalize civilians and if we se e someone wounded, we should give them first aid,' Mballa Tala Benedicte, 2nd class soldier who took part in the awareness-raising campaign said. 'I was satisfied hearing all of this given that I am just at the beginning of my career. This will help me' Mballa Added. Lele Brenda who also participated in the seminar said, she has learned to watch her attitude while on the field. 'I have also learned about international humanitarian law and gained knowledge on gender-based violence' Lele Added. UNDP Officials say they remain committed to accompanying the state to carry out more training for a better Cameroon. The training was organised in partnership with Cameroon's Human Rights Commission. Source: Cameroon News Agency Addis Ababa: The reform underway on education in general and higher education in particular will immensely support Ethiopia's transformation, Addis Ababa University Interim President Samuel Kifle said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the interim president noted that Ethiopia has been expanding higher education for decades. But having more institutions is not enough, he said, adding that the country has to make sure that the institutions are well oriented; and this requires to undertake a reform especially in higher education.' Samuel recalled that Addis Ababa University has been designated as the first autonomous university for the country. This will enable the university to focus on its mission and excel in delivering education by undertaking cutting edge researches as well as transforming societies through community engagement services. According to the interim president, institutional transformation is not a onetime intervention and Addis Ababa University will be working on its own by setting stan dards and become exemplary to the other universities in Ethiopia. Ethiopia, the second most populace nation on the African continent with predominantly youth population is investing in education to make sure that the future depends on knowledge and transformation of the economy, Samuel elaborated. 'Reforming education in general and higher education in particular will immensely support Ethiopia's transformation and make it the beacon of prosperity for Africa.' For the president, the Ethiopian government has been generously supportive to higher education and has remained committed to the success of Addis Ababa University. Addressing the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) held last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that education is key for sustainable development and faster growth. 'In the last five years, Ethiopia has made significant progress towards universal access to education. We have built over 30,000 kindergarten and primary schools . We are heavily investing in secondary schools and TVETs to ensure quality and skill development as well as meet labor market needs,' he pointed out. Today new technology and innovative learning models can help the continent to leapfrog into the future, the premier said, adding that technology has taken learning beyond the classroom. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of AU was held under the theme: 'Educate an African fit for the 21st Century --- Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.' During the opening of the summit, African Union Chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani stressed the need for Africa to create a revolution in its educational systems to achieve the plans and strategies of the continent Source: Ethiopian News Agency