Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has held a press briefing to present its latest findings on the state of human rights in The Gambia and to provide updates on the monitoring of the Government White Paper on the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations. The report covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2024.
During the briefing, the Commission outlined major observations from its assessment of the national human rights landscape and reviewed progress made by the government in implementing the TRRC recommendations.
NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof said the report demonstrates the Commission’s continued commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights throughout The Gambia.
He explained that the report was submitted to the National Assembly earlier this year, in accordance with the Commission’s statutory mandate to provide an annual evaluation of the human rights situation in the country. The report, he noted, highlights the NHRC’s actions to advance and safeguard human rights, including investigations, recommendations, and policy advocacy.
“We operate independently from branches of the executive; we report directly to the National Assembly, not to any ministry. That is why our reports are submitted to the National Assembly,” Joof clarified.
Basiru Bah, Senior Legal Officer at the NHRC, stated that the 2024 report examined approximately 20 thematic areas, covering civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, and environmental rights.
He reported that the Commission found no evidence of state-sponsored killings or extrajudicial executions during the reporting period. However, Bah expressed concern about a rise in unlawful killings committed by private individuals.
On the issue of torture, Bah noted that the enactment of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023, marked a significant milestone. Nonetheless, the Commission received four complaints in 2024 alleging torture or inhuman and degrading treatment, some involving police and immigration officers.
He added that the report also highlights threats to media freedom and growing concerns over drug and substance abuse across the country.
“We are highlighting this to bring to the attention of the authorities that there is more work that needs to be done in terms of enforcing the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act,” Bah Said.
Providing an update on the TRRC White Paper monitoring, Abdou Manneh, Senior Investigation Officer at the NHRC, explained that the assessment was informed by a multi-stakeholder monitoring committee, media reports, and the NHRC’s own field investigations.
He revealed that the government’s implementation plan includes 304 activities assigned to 59 institutions, of which 143 are ongoing, 60 have been implemented, and 101 remain unimplemented.
The NHRC continues to monitor, receive, and investigate complaints of human rights violations, including those perpetrated by private individuals, and works to ensure redress for victims. The Commission also engages in public awareness initiatives and advises the government on human rights policies and legislative reforms.
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