Gambiaj.com – (GENEVA, Switzerland) – On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, The Gambia underwent its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. This critical review provided an opportunity for The Gambia to assess its human rights progress, address lingering challenges, and affirm its commitment to upholding international human rights standards.
During the session, representatives from The Gambia outlined the country’s achievements and progress since its last UPR, emphasizing strides in governance, justice sector reforms, and efforts to enhance gender equality. However, they acknowledged significant bottlenecks hindering further advancement.
These include gaps in implementing the TRRC recommendations, as outlined in the government white paper. While the government has pledged to uphold the TRRC’s findings, progress has been notably slow.
Many individuals implicated in gross human rights violations under Yahya Jammeh’s regime remain in public office, raising significant concerns about justice and accountability.
Efforts to reform the security sector, including the police and military, have also faced delays. Stakeholders at the UPR pre-session in November reported minimal changes in leadership and institutional culture, despite documented involvement in past abuses.
Families of victims of enforced disappearances under Jammeh’s regime continue to demand answers.
Since 2017, The Gambia has made progress in press freedom and civic space. However, journalists occasionally face harassment, signaling the need for stronger protections for freedom of expression.
Other key challenges highlighted included limited resources to implement human rights policies effectively, systemic issues within the judiciary, and ongoing societal barriers to gender equity. Concerns were also raised about inadequate protections for vulnerable groups, including children and persons with disabilities, and gaps in addressing environmental rights.
In response, The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, pledging to intensify efforts to overcome these obstacles. The delegation stressed the government’s determination to strengthen institutional frameworks, increase resource allocation for human rights initiatives, and enhance collaboration with international partners and civil society organizations.
“We recognize the challenges before us and remain steadfast in our pursuit of a more just and equitable society for all Gambians,” stated Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow, the head of The Gambia’s delegation. “This review is not just a process but a testament to our commitment to ensuring accountability and sustained progress in the human rights domain.”
The Gambian delegation, led by Justice Minister Dawda A. Jallow and Gender, Children, and Social Welfare Minister Fatou Kinteh, included officials from key government institutions and was supported by the Permanent Mission of The Gambia in Geneva.
As The Gambia continues its journey to address these hurdles, the international community’s recommendations and technical support will be crucial in translating commitments into tangible outcomes for its citizens. The review underscored the importance of both national efforts and global solidarity in advancing human rights. For The Gambia and the 13 other states, the UPR offers a moment to reflect and act decisively in the pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity.
