The validation was part of the NHRCs' efforts to ensure comprehensive and inclusive reports; the commission seeks to convene relevant stakeholders in fulfilment of its mandate under section 12 (e) (iv) of the National Human Rights Commission Act.
Thus, the Commission drafted the 2023 State of Human Rights Report capturing key highlights of human rights in The Gambia from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. The report, basically seeks to bring to the attention of the state, the public and stakeholders the prevailing state of human rights in the country over the period and come up with thematic areas with specific recommendations to ensure the enjoyment of individual human rights and freedoms. It also covers various human rights themes including access to justice, the right to liberty and security of the person, independence of the media, business and human rights, social, economic, and cultural rights, and the environment.
At the event, Jainaba Johm, the vice chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed heartfelt gratitude to their partners for their invaluable support to the commission in fulfillment of its mandate.
She indicated that in pursuit of its mandate to promote and protect human rights of all in The Gambia, the Commission recognises the importance of collaboration and cooperation with organisations and institutions that share similar principles and values that underpin its work.
"The Report covers wide ranging thematic human rights issues that occurred during 2023, which include the fatal shooting of two police officers at the Sukuta Traffic Lights in September 2023, the gruesome murder of a 17-year-old in Barra and its impact on the right to life and integrity of the person. For the first time, the report also provides a synopsis of corruption and its impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms in The Gambia." she said
The report, she added, also highlights the re-occurrence of acts of torture and related inhuman treatment meted on people by state agents and private individuals.
"The arrests of social media influencers and human rights activists are highlighted as well as the case of a Nema-Su resident that tied up and maltreated his niece. The Report further examined the continued abuse by state agents of their powers of arrest and detention of suspects beyond the Constitutional limit of 72 hours. "
The report, she noted, also provides updates on the complaints received through the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures In 2023 Seventy-One (71) human rights violation complaints were received by the NHRC.
" Forty-Five cases (45) were investigated, and appropriate remedial actions recommended."
