On November 10, 2026, in Libreville, Gabon's Minister of Justice, Augustin Emane, presented a human rights training manual to the country's defense and security forces. The manual aims to integrate human rights norms and principles into the initial and continuous training of defense and security personnel. This initiative seeks to promote professional practices that align with the requirements of the rule of law. The ceremony was held on behalf of the Vice-President of the Government, Régis Immongault.
The manual's development is a collaborative effort between the Gabonese government and the United Nations. The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Gabon, Dr. Xavier Crépin, expressed his support for Gabon's efforts to protect human rights and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to assisting the country in strengthening its human rights achievements. The manual is designed to enhance the professionalism of defense and security forces while promoting respect for human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
Minister Emane emphasized that respect for human rights must be a permanent requirement in the exercise of public authority. He highlighted the importance of preserving peace, stability, and public order while respecting human dignity and fundamental freedoms. Emane also stressed the need for proportionality in the use of force, prevention of mistreatment, non-discrimination, and protection of vulnerable individuals. He encouraged the responsible authorities to adopt the manual as a tool for transforming professional practices.
The manual is structured around five main axes, including aligning practices with Gabon's international commitments, regulating the use of force, respecting fundamental freedoms, combating torture, and promoting non-discrimination. Edna-Paola Biyogou, Director General of Human Rights, presented the manual's architecture and announced a deployment phase from November 11 to 13. During this period, the manual will be introduced in training establishments for penitentiary security, national police, and national gendarmerie.
The deployment phase will be followed by an evaluation process and a transfer of competencies to defense and security forces, under the joint supervision of the government and the United Nations. This approach aims to ensure that the manual is effectively used and integrated into the training of defense and security personnel. The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officers and concerned trainers.
The development and distribution of the manual reflect Gabon's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. By integrating human rights principles into the training of defense and security forces, Gabon aims to strengthen its institutional capacity to respect and protect human rights. The manual is expected to contribute to a culture of respect for human rights within the country's security apparatus.
The Gabonese government's efforts to promote human rights have been acknowledged by the international community. The UN's support for Gabon's human rights initiatives underscores the country's progress in this area. The manual's introduction is a significant step towards ensuring that defense and security forces operate within a framework that prioritizes respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Key points
- The manual aims to integrate human rights norms and principles into the training of defense and security personnel.
- The development of the manual is a collaborative effort between the Gabonese government and the United Nations.
- The manual's deployment phase will be followed by an evaluation process and a transfer of competencies to defense and security forces.
