The training, officials said is aimed at enhancing the participants' understanding of international human rights legal instruments, with a particular focus on the regional and international human rights mechanisms crucial to The Gambia's transitional justice process.
Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of the GBA, Penda Dibba, emphasised the importance of the training, adding: “There is the need to empower junior lawyers in order to enable them lead change within the Bar Association and the legal sector.”
Participants will among others be exposed to Regional and International instruments to which the country is a party, she said.
The GBA Executive Director provided an overview of the Bar Association's mission, among which she said, is to promote the rule of law in the country. She was, however, quick to add that: “The Bar association is taking a new direction which is change and visibility. We want to drive a narrative for the future of the country,” she postulated.
Mam Ndeban Jobe, from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) introduced the participants to key human rights principles, while emphasising the inclusivity and universality of these rights.
Her session covered core international instruments like the UDHR and ICCPR, while also highlighting the importance of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
For his part, Lawyer Imaran Darboe, delivered a presentation on the role of the Bar in strengthening human rights in The Gambia. He emphasised the Bar's duty to actively advocate for human rights protection and promotion through campaigns, policy recommendations, and engagement.
His presentation also underscored the centrality of justice in human rights and the critical role lawyers play in safeguarding justice by upholding and strengthening human rights.
Amadou Bah, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said: “My perspective when it comes to human rights has been enlightened. I have leaned how to differently protect and promote human rights,” he stated, while assuring to advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
