"The government accepts the Commission’s recommendation and is committed to taking appropriate steps to ensure that those who bear the greatest responsibility for human rights violations are held accountable," the White Paper states.
To take administrative and internal disciplinary measures against Superintendent Almami Manga for unlawfully detaining an infant and her mother without a court or other lawful order, the government takes note of the recommendation of the Commission and in light of potentially exculpatory information received, decides to refer the matter to the relevant authorities to carry out further investigation to determine if Superintendent Almami Manga was responsible for unlawfully detaining the mother and infant.
As the TRRC also recommends a comprehensive review of the Public Order Act by the National Assembly with a view to amending it to be in line with international human rights instruments and customary standards, the government accepts the recommendation, while stating that it would initiate a review of the Public Order Act.
"The government will strengthen the Law Reform Commission to enable a rolling review of all legislation to ensure conformity with best practice."
To develop an effective training manual for the Police on crowd control and the use of force during riots and protests, the government accepts the recommendations of the Commission, ensuring training programmes are developed to train security personnel on crowd control and use of force during public assemblies.
On the recommendation to develop a training manual on crowd control and use of force by The Gambia Police Force, specifically the PIU, the government accepts the recommendations of the Commission.
"Working with the NHRC, the government will ensure training programmes are developed to train security personnel on crowd control and use of force during riots and protests.”
The government accepts the recommendations of the Commission in the spirit of reconciliation anchored on social cohesion, harmony, and mutual co-existence regardless of political differences, saying they are committed to working closely with stakeholders particularly political parties, civil society, and victim-led groups as part of its reconciliation agenda.
As the TRRC also recommends that consideration be given to the passing of legislation to criminalise hate speech and making derogatory remarks against any ethnic group, the government accepts the recommendation, while confirming that hate speech including making derogatory remarks against any ethnic group is included in the draft Criminal Code.
