Human Rights Law at Gambia
Human Rights Law in The Gambia has undergone significant development, especially in recent years. Here's an overview:
1. Legal Framework
The Constitution of The Gambia (1997): This is the supreme law and contains a Bill of Rights (Chapter IV) that guarantees civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
International Treaties: The Gambia is a party to major international human rights treaties, including:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Convention Against Torture (CAT)
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which is directly enforceable in The Gambia
2. Judicial and Institutional Mechanisms
The Judiciary: Has the power to enforce constitutional rights.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Established in 2017 to investigate human rights abuses and promote awareness.
Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC): Set up in 2018 to address past human rights violations under Yahya Jammeh’s rule (1994–2017).
3. Challenges
Past Abuses: Systematic violations under Jammeh’s regime, including torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Implementation Gap: Despite good laws, enforcement remains weak in many areas.
Freedom of Expression: Although improving, concerns about press freedom and political dissent still exist.
4. Progress and Reforms
Recent democratic reforms post-2017 have led to:
Abolition of some repressive laws
Increased engagement with civil society
Better alignment with international human rights standards
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