Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia has raised serious concern over the persistent reports of illegal detention, torture, and sexual abuse of African migrants under migration control agreements between some African states and external partners.
Speaking at the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), Her Excellency Ambassador Salimatou E.T. Touray, The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union Commission, decried the human rights violations endured by migrants as a result of “externalization” policies.
Ambassador Touray said the key policy affecting The Gambia is the “prevention of arrival,” a model under which African states partner with external actors to strengthen border control through funding, training, and equipment.
She warned that these arrangements often come at the expense of migrants’ fundamental rights.
“The treatment of migrants in some of these countries remains deeply concerning,” Ambassador Touray told the Commission. “Reports of torture, arbitrary and illegal detention, ill-treatment, and sexual and gender-based violence highlight the urgent need for closer scrutiny of the implementation of these cooperation agreements.”
She noted that while externalization of migration management is not new, its growing prevalence has exposed countless African youths to exploitation and violence.
Many, she said, undertake perilous journeys across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities, only to encounter abuse, trafficking, or death.
“Many of our youths, driven by hope and the pursuit of better opportunities, embark on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. Tragically, these dreams often end in exploitation, abuse, or death,” she lamented.
Ambassador Touray emphasized that the securitization and criminalization of migration have become prerequisites for externalization policies, deepening the vulnerability of migrants and asylum seekers.
She highlighted The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable migrants through the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), working in close collaboration with key ministries, including Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Trade, and Youth and Sports, and development partners.
“With the continued support of our development partners, The Gambia is striving to raise greater awareness, provide viable livelihood alternatives, and create a conducive environment for our youth to thrive at home rather than seek dangerous journeys abroad,” Ambassador Touray affirmed.
The 85th ACHPR Ordinary Session, currently underway in Banjul, brings together representatives of African states, regional bodies, and civil society organizations to deliberate on key human rights issues affecting the continent, including migration governance, conflict, and justice reform.
