Gambian Stakeholders Review 4th Universal Periodic Review Human Rights Report

Group Picture (c) Askanwi Media

By Haddy Ceesay

On 28th September 2024, the Government of the Gambia under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice, partners and civil society stakeholders conducted a multi-stakeholder review of the country’s 4th Universal Periodic Review Cycle during a workshop at Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism established by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR), to improve the human rights situation of all members states through peer reviews

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Hon. Hussein Thomasi highlighted the importance of the UPR, noting that The Gambia is a member of the UN and has a responsibility to report under the Human Rights Conventions it ratified regarding its human rights protection practices and the status of implementation of recommendations.

“The UPR plays a vital role in promoting accountability. Subjecting every country, regardless of size, wealth, or political influence, to a regular review ensures that governments remain answerable for their human rights obligations. No state is exempt from scrutiny, making it a powerful tool in helping to highlight issues such as gender discrimination, freedom of speech, access to justice, protection from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, preventing marginalization of persons with disabilities, upholding Sustainable Development Goals, and pressuring governments to take meaningful action” said the Solicitor General.

He emphasized that human rights are a universal concern, and that the UPR fosters global cooperation and dialogue. Countries are encouraged not only to review member states performance but also to ensure recommendations from members states are progressed. This spirit of collaboration allows for shared learning, where states can draw inspiration from best practices and innovations implemented elsewhere.

Solicitor General Hon Hussien Thomasi (c) Askanwi

The Chairperson of the Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Emmanuel Daniel Joof recalled that the country conducted its most recent review during the 34th session of the UPR Working Group, which took place from 4th to 15th November 2019. The Gambia’s review occurred on 5th November 2019, making it the third time the country has undergone this process since the UPR was Established in 2006.

During this session, The Gambia’s Report was presented by then-Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon Abubacarr Tambedou, and was subsequently adopted by the working group on 8th November 2019. The review was conducted by the troika of Bulgaria, Philippines and Togo.

Chairperson Joof recalled that after review The Gambia received 222 recommendations of which 207 were accepted, while 15 were noted. This marked the first UPR review under the current Government, demonstrating the country's renewed commitment to fulfilling its human rights obligation.

As The Gambia is set for another review in 2025, the Government is expected to submit its National Report in October 2024, while stakeholders such as the NHRC and NGOs are expected to submit their Complementary Reports by 16th July 2025. This will highlight how many of the recommendations have been progressed so far.

NHRC Chair Emmanuel Joof (c) Askanwi

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Moshibudi Rampedi noted that The Gambia has undertaken substantial measures to advance human rights. She acknowledged “that this journey is ongoing, requiring continuous commitment and collaboration efforts. We are encouraged by the continued engagement and enthusiasm in engaging with the UPR to ensure proper reflection of the state of human rights in the Gambia. We remain committed to supporting The Gambia Government towards the implementation of recommendations from the UPR cycle”.

Ms Rampedi concluded her remarks by noting that the UN’s continued engagement and collaboration underscores the importance of partnership in ensuring that The Gambia has the necessary tools to uphold its human rights obligation comprehensively.

UN Resident Coordinator Ms Moshibudi Rampedi

International IDEA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Tijian Njie informed delegates present that the UPR is not just an assessment; but rather a call to action. He appealed to stakeholders to engage, support, and collaborate in the pursuit of a world where human dignity is upheld for every individual. The International IDEA representative urged stakeholders to embrace the opportunity with the seriousness and dedication it deserves.

He noted that International IDEA is proud to have supported the NHRC in the preparation of its stakeholder report to the UPR working group. Mr Njie added that the commission has been monitoring the implementation of the Gambia’s 2019 UPR Recommendation in partnership with key government ministries.

International IDEA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Tijian Njie (c) Askanwi