Gambiaj.com – (LONDON) – Amnesty International has released its annual report for 2023–24, highlighting a crucial moment for international law amid widespread violations by governments and corporate entities. The report underscores the erosion of human rights globally, exacerbated by inequality, superpower rivalries, and the climate crisis.

The report singles out Israel for its disregard for international law, particularly concerning Gaza, where civilian casualties persist. It also condemns Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, which poses a significant threat to the international rules-based order.

Gambia Mixed Progress and Uphill Battle for Justice, Women’s Rights and Press Freedom

In The Gambia, while significant progress has been made in human rights compared to the era of former President Yahya Jammeh, challenges persist.

Delays in justice and reparations are a concern, as are restrictive laws impacting freedom of expression and media. The enforcement of laws against torture and female genital mutilation remains inadequate. Additionally, environmental health is threatened by overfishing and fishmeal factories.

During 2023, The Gambia made strides in addressing past human rights abuses. Ousman Sonko, a former minister under Jammeh, faced charges in Switzerland for crimes against humanity. In Germany, a trial continued for an alleged member of a paramilitary death squad implicated in the killings of West African migrants in 2005.

The National Assembly passed an anti-corruption bill in December, signaling a commitment to fighting corruption. However, transitional justice efforts faced criticism, and media laws, including those criminalizing sedition, remained a concern.

Women’s rights remained a focus, with efforts to combat female genital mutilation beginning to suuffer serious setbacks and period poverty. The first-ever conviction for FGM in The Gambia occurred in August but triggered a bill that threatens to repeal the law banning FGM. Additionally, efforts to increase women’s access to land, continue to face persistent legal and customary challenges.

A report issued by the Gender Management Information System revealed that between January and July, Gambia registered 117 cases of rape and 310 cases of gender-based violence.

Despite progress, challenges remain in The Gambia, including the need for more effective transitional justice and press freedom mechanisms.

Gambia ranked 46th in the World Press Freedom Index and fifth in Africa in 2023. The Gambian Press Union condemned an assault on two journalists and called for an end to impunity. The country’s media laws, including criminalizing sedition and publishing false news, continue to restrict freedom of expression.

The country’s journey reflects a complex interplay of achievements and ongoing struggles as it continue to move forward from the Jammeh era.