Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force has taken a significant step toward promoting human rights and preventing torture with a two-day training on the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act 2023. Organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the program seeks to equip law enforcement personnel with the knowledge to prevent, investigate, and prosecute acts of torture, fostering a culture of accountability.

The training comes as The Gambia continues its journey of rebuilding democratic institutions and respecting human rights after emerging from a 22-year dictatorship marked by widespread torture and abuse. Testimonies during the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) underscored the pervasiveness of these practices in the past.

Speaking at the event, NHRC Chairman Emmanuel Daniel Joof highlighted the importance of the new legislation. “The Gambia in 2023 came up with a torture act criminalizing torture,” he explained. “Before that, torture was prohibited in our Constitution, but remedies were limited to civil suits. Now, with this act, we’ve moved from prohibition to criminalization, aligning with international standards and ensuring accountability.”

The program emphasizes the role of police officers in respecting human rights, particularly during detention and interrogation. Martin Norman, representing the British High Commission, described the new law as a “landmark moment” and commended the partnership between The Gambia and the UK in advancing security sector reform (SSR).

“This initiative highlights the invaluable partnership between The Gambia and the UK,” Norman noted. “Together, we are working toward a society where justice prevails, victims find redress, and survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.” He urged participants to not only focus on the technical aspects of the law but to embrace their responsibility as protectors of human rights.

Chief Superintendent Ousman Colley expressed optimism about the initiative, acknowledging the painful lessons from the TRRC revelations. “It is our hope that these serve as turning points for us, ensuring that our functions align with democratic principles and international standards,” he said.

Mulie Colley, representing the National Security Advisor, challenged participants to become champions of human rights and ambassadors of the NHRC’s mission. “You are expected to leave this classroom ready to vigorously prevent, investigate, and prosecute acts of torture,” he emphasized.

The training also reinforced the message that ignorance of the law is no excuse. By empowering police officers with a thorough understanding of the new anti-torture law, the program aims to eliminate the recurrence of past abuses and ensure that The Gambia continues to strengthen its human rights framework.

While the training lasted just two days, organizers hope it will plant the seeds for long-term change, cultivating a law enforcement culture that upholds dignity, justice, and accountability.