Gambian human rights officials met on April 10 at the Senegambia Beach Hotel to review their 2024 report. The National Human Rights Commission document examined justice access, personal security, expression freedom, elderly rights, disability issues, business practices, socioeconomic concerns, and environmental matters. Their analysis covered January through December last year, calling for justice system reforms and better protection for vulnerable groups.
NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof reaffirmed their mission to protect human rights through transparent processes. The report, required by 2017 legislation, found six cases of detention beyond the legal 72-hour limit. One case involved Mbembe Drammeh, detained without legal help after allegedly discussing election manipulation. Public confidence in courts remains low, with an Afrobarometer survey showing only 44% of citizens feel they can get justice, and 72% face financial barriers to legal support.
UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul praised the commission's work, calling the report an essential policy-shaping tool. He urged stakeholders to consider the findings carefully when planning future initiatives. The document serves both as a record of past challenges and as motivation for continued advocacy work across The Gambia. Officials hope this collaborative effort will help build a society based on dignity and equal treatment for all citizens.
NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof reaffirmed their mission to protect human rights through transparent processes. The report, required by 2017 legislation, found six cases of detention beyond the legal 72-hour limit. One case involved Mbembe Drammeh, detained without legal help after allegedly discussing election manipulation. Public confidence in courts remains low, with an Afrobarometer survey showing only 44% of citizens feel they can get justice, and 72% face financial barriers to legal support.
UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul praised the commission's work, calling the report an essential policy-shaping tool. He urged stakeholders to consider the findings carefully when planning future initiatives. The document serves both as a record of past challenges and as motivation for continued advocacy work across The Gambia. Officials hope this collaborative effort will help build a society based on dignity and equal treatment for all citizens.
