NHRC Validates 2024 Human Rights Report, Highlighting Progress and Challenges in The Gambia
Group Photo © NHRC
By Fatoumatta Jaiteh
On Thursday, 10th March 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) validated it’s annual report on the state of human rights in The Gambia for the year 2024. The event gathered key stakeholders from various institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Police Force, civil society organisations, and the media.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Daniel Joof, welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of collective efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
Mr. Joof highlighted that the NHRC was established by an Act of Parliament in 2017, with a broad mandate to uphold human rights. “Section 12(e)(iv) of our Act specifically mandates us to publish an annual report on the state of human rights in The Gambia,” he noted. He further explained that the 2024 report is a fulfilment of this legal obligation.
NHRC Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Daniel Joof © NHRC
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights landscape in The Gambia from 1st January to 31st December 2024. It covers a wide range of thematic areas, including access to justice; the right to liberty and security of person; trafficking in persons; children’s rights; women’s and girls’ rights—especially harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM); freedom of expression and the media; business and human rights; socio-economic and cultural rights; and environmental rights.
Mr. Joof stressed the critical role of human rights reporting in fostering accountability, transparency, and national development. “It helps us as a nation to uphold both our international obligations and national commitments,” he stated.
Also speaking at the validation was Mr. Karl Fredrick Paul, the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia. He commended the NHRC’s efforts, stating that the report “affirms our collective duty to protect and uphold the human rights of every individual in The Gambia.” While acknowledging the progress made, he cautioned that significant challenges remain, which must be addressed to ensure justice and healing.
Mr. Karl Fredrick Paul, the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia © NHRC
Mr. Paul further emphasised that human rights are not standalone goals but are integral to the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Quoting from the UN 2030 Agenda, he remarked:
“Universal values are what enable the SDGs to be truly transformative, by placing the person and their inherent dignity at the heart of development efforts, empowering all people to become active partners in this endeavour. Universal values allow us to go beyond abstract aggregates to addressing discrimination and other root causes of inequality that lie at the heart of poverty and conflict. Integrating universal values into SDG implementation also assists countries in meeting their international obligations. If SDG implementation fails to uphold these values, progress will ultimately prove elusive.”
The validation of the 2024 human rights report marks a significant step in The Gambia’s ongoing journey toward a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society.
