University of Calabar Wins NHRC’s 5th Int. Human Rights Moot Court Competition

Winners from University of Calabar © NHRC

By Haddy Ceesay

In commemoration of International Human Rights Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and partners marked the day with their 5th International Human Rights Moot Court, named after first President of the Republic of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

The event which took place at the aptly named Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre  in Bijilo was dominated by representatives from Nigeria’s University of Calabar who took home the winning prize. The theme for this year’s Moot Court Competition was “Protecting the Fundamental Human Rights of Migrants and their Families” saw the Faculty of Law of the University of The Gambia (UTG) partner with the NHRC.

Group Photo © NHRC

A moot court is a simulated court proceeding where participants analyze legal issues, research, write, and present oral arguments. It's a co-curricular activity at many law schools and an important part of legal education.

The final was keenly contested by ambitious young future lawyers from the University of The Gambia and the University of Calabar. Considered one of the key activities of the NHRC, the Moot Court competition aims to create a platform for university students across Africa to practice and improve their written and oral advocacy skills in various fields of human rights.

During the Opening Ceremony, the NHRC Chairperson, Mr Emmanuel Daniel Joof highlighted that the reasons the Moot court was named after the The Gambia’s first President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara is because of his internationally recognized commitment in laying the foundations of the African Human Rights System.

Runners Up to Moot Court © NHRC

“At a time when the African continent was struggling with human rights violations, authoritarianism, and impunity. Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara played a key role in the drafting of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which today is the foundational document for the protection of human rights in the continent” said the NHRC Chair.

Speaking at the occasion was the President of the Gambia Bar Association, Ms Neneh M.C. Cham who highlighted that the dignity of migrants and their families should be protected with compassion, determination and integrity.

Delegates at Moot Court Competition © NHRC