Africa-Press – Gambia. Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), said The Gambia is undergoing a significant transformation in the wake of its democratic transition, singling out security sector reform (SSR) as a key pillar.
In 2017, the Barrow administration started a number of reforms to ensure that security institutions are professional, accountable, and aligned with democratic and human rights principles.
Chairman Joof emphasised this during a two-day engagement for security institutions on UN human rights council recommendations, organised by the NHRC in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
He said The Gambia has engaged with several international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “These interactions have provided a roadmap for aligning the country’s laws, policies, and practices with international human rights norms. A reformed security sector that understands and respects human rights is not only key to sustaining peace and stability but also to building public trust and confidence in state institutions,” Joof stated.
The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) revealed widespread human rights violations by security forces during the former regime, including torture, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings.
Joof said the NHRC recognises the need to address these issues and promote accountability, professionalism, and public trust.
He added that security forces must respect human rights in their daily activities, ensuring that their actions are guided by principles of dignity, equality, and justice.
“Security institutions must operate with transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for abuse or misconduct and security forces must engage with communities, listen to their concerns, and protect their rights to earn public confidence.”
He noted that security institutions, government agencies, and civil society must work together to promote human rights and the rule of law.
Lamin Kinteh, from the Office of the National Security, urged participants to fully engage in the training, emphasising that it is crucial for their professional development and the future of the nation’s security sector.
“This gathering is a testament to our commitment to building a security sector that is professional, effective, and anchored on accountability, the rule of law, and human rights,” he said.
The Gambia’s transitional justice trajectory, guided by the national security policy and national security strategy, aims to transform security institutions into professional, inclusive, and citizen-centered bodies. Joof said the NHRC and its partners are working to ensure that the security sector upholds human rights, promotes accountability, and serves the interests of all Gambians.
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