Human Rights Commission concludes vital training for security services

The training, held at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) conference hall, brought together 40 participants from various security sectors such as the Gambia Police Force, Gambia Armed Forces, (RNG), the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Gambia Prison Service, Gambia Immigration Department, and the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services.

The training was funded by the US Embassy in The Gambia. The theme for the training was “Strengthening Local Capacity for Greater Accountability and Respect for Human Rights in The Gambia.”

During the training, Officers effectively participated in various segments such as the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission, the role and qualities of trainer, principles of effective training, the right to freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration.

Other areas looked at were rule of law enforcement in public order management, public management formation and tactics, code of conduct  for police officers, re-guidelines on policing public assemblies in The Gambia (part I), guidelines on policing public assemblies in The Gambia (part II) and the convention on torture, prevention and prohibition of torture Act-2023.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Emamnuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, said the Police have been given constitutional powers to act upon through Section 4 of the Constitution which gives them powers to protect lives and properties, detect and prevent crimes, apprehend and prosecute offenders. He said that other agencies also have some police powers in the job they do.

He said that all participants play a very significant role as guardians of rule of law in the country. He said: “Without an effective security services of the police, the immigration, the army and others, we will have a breakdown of law and order in this country. You play a very important role.”

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf the participants, Corporal 5309 Fatou Faye-Kujabi of the Gambia Police Force, thanked the National Human Rights Commission for the training, which brought together 40 participants derived from the various security sectors.

She said the unprecedented training was a demonstration of the NHRC’s commitment to collaboration and partnership in the provision and protection of human rights in The Gambia.

“The lessons have enlightened our minds and shown us a new path,” she stated, saying: “Thanks to the participants for honouring the occasion, respecting ground rules and sharing you opinions.”

She further urged participants to conduct step-down training in their respective institutions for the benefit of their colleagues who were not selected to be part of the training.