The event was held at the Ocean Bay Hotel Resort at Bakau Cape Point.
The roundtable discussion provides the NHRC with the platform to effectively communicate to partners the results and impact of its work including its contributions to improve good governance in The Gambia. The exercise also allows the NHRC to show transparent and efficient use of resources for accountability.
The event was graced by ministers, senior government officials, representatives of international organisations and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) and other key partners.
In 2020, the NHRC adopted its five-year Strategic Plan and Resource Mobilisation Plan. To implement the Strategic Plan, the Resource Mobilisation Plan identifies the need for resource mobilisation of GMD 396 million (equivalent to US$7.9 million) over the next five years to implement the strategic plan fully.
Amongst the initiatives identified in the Resource Mobilisation Plan is to organise regular donor roundtables to share the work of the NHRC with identified donors based in The Gambia and Senegal – vision in which this event was held.
With this roundtable discussion, it was expected that at least 40% of the total funds needed for the effective implementation of the NHRC strategic plan would be mobilised from development partners and private citizens.
Addressing the meeting, the NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Saikou Kawsu Gassama said: “NHRC is mandated by the Act 2017 to promote and protect fundamental human rights and freedom in the Gambia. It is important to note that this mandate is a huge task that requires resources to fulfil those obligations.”
“It is of my considered view that human rights are everybody’s business, and therefore, requires resources to fulfil those very functions. It is this rationale that is behind this donor roundtable conference today; in order for us to provide the critical resources required for the implementation of our strategic plan,” he added.
The NHRC boss also told stakeholders and partners that the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan would be featured to get the support of the participating partners for implementation with the view to attaining a Gambia where everyone understands the importance of human rights
“We therefore solicit your support to help us build an independent, a strong, effective and efficient human rights institution that will build and instil a culture of human rights, respect for rule of law and adherence for due process, something that The Gambia was known for many years.”
Seraphine Wakana, the UN resident coordinator, the Minister of Finance through his representative and the minister of Justice all commended the NHRC and pledged their full support in ensuring the promotion of human rights.
