State House, Banjul, 29th July 2021
The Human Rights situation in The Gambia is something to be “proud of as a nation,” said Emanuel Joof, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. Mr Joof spoke following the Commission’s annual human rights briefing and a courtesy call on H.E. President Adama Barrow on Wednesday, 28th July 2021, at the State House in Banjul.
He stated that Gambians should be proud of the country’s current human rights record, especially compared to its recent history. “The Human Rights situation in the country, I must say, is good,” said Commissioner Joof, adding, “It’s a much-improved situation compared to what we had before.” Mr Joof stated that protecting the rights of people in a country is a “work in progress,” noting that there is still more to be done.
The Barrow Administration established the National Human Rights Commission in 2017, less than a year after President Barrow’s coming into office. The setting up of the Commission was to help turn the tide from the country’s poor human rights records of two decades. The Commission’s primary function includes the investigation, promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
Following the Commission’s briefings with the President, the delegation proceeded to a separate meeting with Executive members of the National People’s Party- NPP. Mr Joof expressed that this meeting is part of the Commission’s outreach to political parties to discuss concerns of human rights and the conduct of party members and supporters as we gear up for the Presidential election in December 2021.
The Commission’s meeting with the Executive members of the NPP is part of its schedule to meet all the other political parties in the country.
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