The training, held at Metzy Hotel, focused on human rights, international humanitarian law (IHL), and the effective handling of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
Besides, the primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers in understanding and implementing human rights principles, international humanitarian law, and gender-sensitive approaches to security operations.
At the event, Emmanuel D. Joof, chairman of NHRC, emphasised that the training was a direct response to the findings and recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and the subsequent Government White Paper.
“As many of you are aware, the TRRC findings highlighted critical gaps in the security sector regarding knowledge and appreciation of gender equality, human rights principles, and the rule of law,” he added.
Joof alluded to the fact that the testimonies and evidence presented during the TRRC hearings underscored the urgent need for reforms in security institutions.
According to him, human rights violations, including SGBV, erode public trust and create an environment of fear and instability.
“This is why this training is not just important but crucial to ensuring the security sector reforms envisioned under the TRRC recommendations are fully realized,” he stressed.
He expressed optimism that by the end of the training, law enforcement officers would demonstrate a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and marginalised communities.
Martin Norman, deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, also underscored the global significance of the fight against SGBV.
The training on International Humanitarian Law and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is crucial, he added, reflects their shared commitment to justice, human dignity, and the protection of the most vulnerable in society.
He pointed out that gender-based violence (GBV) is a global crisis affecting women and girls in every part of the world, including The Gambia.
“One in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often perpetrated by someone they know and trust. In The Gambia, nearly 41% of women aged 15 to 49 have suffered intimate partner violence,” he added.
To that end, he stressed the importance of listening to survivors of SGBV, taking decisive action, and ensuring that such violations never happen again.
“The laws we uphold today will help shape a future where justice is not just an aspiration but a reality,” he remarked.
The British diplomat thus acknowledged the critical role of law enforcement officers in enforcing International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and addressing SGBV with professionalism and compassion, which in turn strengthens public trust in institutions.
“The UK is proud to stand with The Gambia in this effort. Through training, collaboration, and commitment, we can build a society where human rights are fully respected and where accountability is non-negotiable,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Landing Kinteh reiterated the importance of the training in addressing key security sector reforms.
This training, he said, was conceived in response to the TRRC findings and the Government White Paper to ensure that the recommendations for security sector transformation are effectively implemented.
Kinteh while stressing that there is an urgent need to instill a culture of human rights, gender sensitivity, and respect for the rule of law within the security sector, affirmed that enhancing law enforcement officers’ understanding of human rights and gender equality, would greatly help in strengthening the trust between security forces and the public.
That, he believes, would foster cooperation between security personnel and civil society, thus improving the overall perception of security institutions within the country.
