Gabon gives security forces human rights manual
Justice Minister Augustin Emane presented the training manual to defense and security forces in Libreville on November 10.
Gabon has officially adopted a new training manual on human rights for its defense and security forces. The Minister of Justice, Augustin Emane, presented the document in Libreville on November 10, on behalf of the Vice-President of the government, Régis Immongault. The ceremony was attended by the interim UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Xavier Crépin, and senior military officials.
The manual, presented by the Director General of Human Rights, Edna-Paola Biyogou-Minko, focuses on five pillars: alignment with Gabon's international commitments, regulating the use of force, protecting fundamental freedoms, combating cross-border crime, and non-discrimination. Minister Emane emphasized that lasting security cannot be built at the expense of fundamental rights and urged the forces to use the manual for professional transformation.
The document, handed over by Dr. Crépin to representatives of the Gendarmerie, National Police, and Penitentiary Security, is now entering its implementation phase. The manual aims to translate universal norms into practices suitable for operational realities, guiding security actions with respect for human dignity, necessity, and proportionality in the use of force.
Why it mattersThe defense and security forces will now use a new manual to guide their actions, aiming for respect for human dignity and fundamental rights.