Organisation Guinéene de Défense des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen (OGDH)

The Organisation Guinéenne de Défense des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen (OGDH) (Guinean Organization for the Defense of Human Rights) was founded in 1990 to promote and defend the human rights of all people in Guinea. OGDH educates the public through training workshops and seminars on human rights, and the documentation of human rights abuses. To diffuse information to other parts of the country, OGDH has set up satellite offices in all of Guinea’s regional capitals.

OGDH’s Activities Related to Refugees and IDPs

OGDH has been active in protecting the rights of the very large number of refugees in Guinea. It has challenged the xenophobic rhetoric and activities of the government and local groups in the context of the serious refugee crisis of late 2000- early 2001. OGDH took a courageous stand, particularly in the wake of the President Conte’s call to Guineans to repulse foreigners from the country. To complement this approach, OGDH conducted a workshop on refugee rights and provision of direct support to local refugee groups in Conakry.

In addition, OGDH monitors human rights violations against refugees by the Guinean military and police. Not only does OGDH condemn violations such as the arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture of refugees by Guinean authorities, but it has worked to prevent these violations directly by providing training to Guinean military and police on understanding and respecting human rights standards.

Contacts

M. Souleymane Bah
Mme. Assiatou Sow
Organisation de Défense des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen
B.P. 2476
Conakry, Guinée
Tel: 224-46-37-86
Fax: 224-46-37-86
E-mail:
General: ogdh@mirinet.net.gn
Souleymane Bah: Sbah_ign@yahoo.com