The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a platform for promoting human rights, fostering dialogue, and encouraging states to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law. This embodies the principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity in addressing human rights issues globally.
The day-long review that took place at Bakadaji Hotel brought together CSO actors, leaders of TANGO, representatives from UN-agency and other human rights advocacies.
According to Freedom House officials, it was the 4th time that TANGO has submitted a report to the UPR. They added that TANGO is also supporting CSOs that are under them to participate in the process and submit to the UPR as part of the advocacy processes on human rights issues in The Gambia.
In her opening remarks, Ndey Sireng Bakurin, executive director of TANGO highlighted that it is imperative to submit their own shadow reports, giving an impartial and fair representation backed by evidences of what they believe to be the true status of human rights development in The Gambia.
She added that, during the transitional justice period, the UPR presented an opportunity to take stock on how far they have gone in their reform processes based on last recommendations from the last cycle of reporting and how much of those recommendations are or have been implemented.
She emphasised how CSOs and other advocates played a vital role in the UPR process through advocacy, raising awareness and holding governments accountable.
“As CSOs we often highlight marginalized voices, give and highlight attention to underreported and unreported violations as well as suggest strong recommendations for action,’’ said Bakurin.
John Charles Njie, ex-chairman of TANGO said it would be very difficult to hold the current and next governments accountable if Gambian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) fail to work together.
“It is always good as CSOs to continue our role in holding government accountable as well as follow key accountability tools that will support our democracy. But until Gambian CSOs works together as one or becomes nonpartisan, we are going to have a problem in holding this government, and subsequent governments accountable,” he said.
He added: “Once we lose our credibility, even this repor, we are about to submit will not be respected. It would not hold water,’’ the TANGO ex-chair told CSO members.
He therefore appealed to them to work together, describing what lies ahead of them as a “great-challenge.”
He advised non-NGO members to register with TANGO so that they can have a stronger voice.
