Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Point newspaper, Chairman Joof emphasised that the NHRC actively engages both national institutions and international human rights bodies to address and curb rights violations in the country.
Among the key strategies, he highlighted the Commission’s close collaboration with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, where they regularly present findings and recommendations.
“We do not just report violations we also follow up with the Executive, institutions, and individuals to ensure accountability,” Joof stated. “Our reports detail who is complying with our recommendations and who is not, and we share all of this with the relevant oversight bodies.”
He pointed out that the National Assembly has the constitutional power to summon members of the Executive, institutions, or individuals alleged to have violated human rights, reinforcing the importance of parliamentary oversight in the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Joof also outlined NHRC’s regional and international engagements, including appearances before United Nations Treaty Bodies to report on The Gambia’s human rights performance. These reports span civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and highlight areas of progress, concern, and need for reform.
“We do not work in isolation,” he added. “The Commission also investigates, monitors, advises, and supports law and policy reforms to ensure they align with international human rights standards.”
On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the NHRC was invited by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters to present an update on the country’s human rights compliance. The presentation focused on key thematic areas including civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, environmental rights, and the impact of business practices on human rights.
The NHRC brought forward pressing issues such as the increasing number of murder cases, the state of mental health rights, the unresolved Salagi land dispute, and “the Gambia Armed Forces’ failure to cooperate with investigations” into the shooting of a civilian by its officers. Other issues included the rights of older persons, the constitutional review process, and the upcoming second reading of the 2024 draft Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.
The session also highlighted both the progress achieved and ongoing challenges in the human rights landscape, with the Commission proposing actionable steps to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure greater accountability.
Chairman Joof also stated that the NHRC remains determined to hold violators accountable, uphold the rights of all Gambians, and ensure that national laws and practices conform to international human rights obligations.
