The official launching was done by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & Gambians Abroad, H.E Sering Modou Njie. In his launching speech, Hon. Minister Njie thanked His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia for the endorsement of the Candidacy of Justice Veronic Wright for the position of Judge at the ICC highlighting the Government’s strong and unequivocal commitment to international law and the role of important judicial institutions in preventing atrocity crimes and promoting accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern.
H.E Sering Modou Njie also underscored The Gambia’s strong role and historical record in advancing international criminal law at the global level, referencing the country’s ongoing genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice and its role at the ECOWAS and African Union levels as important steps in this regard. He also talked about the nation’s present efforts of bringing justice and accountability for Gambians who experienced gross violations of human rights as unearthed at the TRRC.
H.E Sering Modou Njie concluded by urging the international community to strongly consider Justice Wright’s candidacy referencing her practical experiences with international criminal tribunals, contemporary accountability mechanisms and her judicial service at the highest levels of our national courts and emphasised her credibility and values of integrity, independence and impartiality.
On her part, Honourable Justice Veronic Wright thanked the President and the Government of The Gambia for the confidence reposed in her and for the endorsement of her candidacy to serve as a Judge at the International Criminal Court. Justice Wright also outlined her vision for the Court noting that she envisages a court where victims and survivors, including the survivors of sexual violence and the children caught up in conflict, are at the heart of its proceedings emphasizing that the legitimacy of every judgment rest upon the fairness of the process that produced it.
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations, H.E Lamin Dibba delivered a statement on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon Dawda Jallow while Ms. Marang Sanyang, Counsellor & Legal Advisor also delivered a statement on behalf of Hon. Justice Cherno Jallow, K.C, Supreme Court of The Gambia, both of whom were unavoidably absent at the ceremony.
The Launching was attended by Permanent Representatives, Legal Advisors, Election Officers and other representatives of States Parties to the Rome Statute and non-States Parties.
