National Human Rights Commission

The NHRC issued a press statement condemning the conduct of The Gambia Police Force, after a thorough investigation into the re- arrest of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang which triggered a protest in Brufut. The actions of the police has raised serious legal and human rights questions, particularly regarding respect for judicial authority and the rule of law.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expresses deep concern over the heightened death toll of irregular migrants departing from the shores of The Gambia.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a press statement regarding the death of one Omar Badjie, which led to public disturbances and clashes between the youth and Police Officers in Mandinary Village, West Coast Region, necessitating the deployment of the Police Intervention Unit. The Gambia, as a State Party to international human rights treaties, is bound by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The Commission also appeals to the youth and the general public to remain calm, refrain from violence, and allow due process to take its course.

The NHRC issued a Press Statement on the Management of Public Assemblies in relation to events arising since Friday, 22 August 2025, when nineteen (19) youths, who had gathered around the premises of PURA to submit a petition following its decision to floor prices for mobile data, were arrested and detained by the police.

The NHRC extends its profound appreciation to the Ministry of Information for its press statement, and the Gambia Police Force for its Flash Report regarding the tragic death of a one-month-old baby who was subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The NHRC issued a Press Statement on the report of the tragic death of a one-month-old baby, for allegedly undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This incident is a grave violation of the child’s fundamental human rights, and a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate this harmful traditional practice from our society as provided by law.

Press Statement on the on the National Assembly Second Reading of the Draft Constitution 2024_July 7 2025. The NHRC Urges National Assembly to Uphold the National Interest in Deliberations and Voting on the Draft Constitution.

The NHRC issued a press statement expressing grave concern over the disruption of a peaceful protest held in Banjul which was later interrupted by officers of the Police Intervention Unit. This intervention resulted in the use of force and eventual arrest of several individuals including journalists.

In a press statement, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) commended The Gambia for its active participation in the UN-led discussion on promoting the right of older persons. This involvement highlights the country’s commitment to human rights and the recognition of older people’s contributions to society. The NHRC emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges faced by older persons, including ageism, social exclusion, and limited access to essential services.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of The Gambia proudly lends its voice and full support to the nomination of Mr. Abubacarr M. Tambadou by the Republic of The Gambia for election as Judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027-2036.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expresses its concern over the recent voting in the National Assembly on the Election Bill 2021, held on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, which eHectively denies Gambians in the diaspora the fundamental right to vote.

The NHRC issued a press release commending the National Assembly for its decision to uphold the Women's (Amendment) Act 2015, which prohibits the practice of FGM/C and other harmful traditional practices.

The Commission joins women-led organisations and women and girls in The Gambia and around the world to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day which is observed annually and globally on March 8th.

NHRC is gravely concerned about a public notice from the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, published in various newspapers on 6th February, regarding the Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 that prohibits the practice of FGM/C in The Gambia.

The National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia proudly joins the global community in observing the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 2023.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is greatly saddened by reports of countless young Gambians losing their lives at the high seas or missing boats full of young Gambians in their attempts to reach Europe in search of ‘greener pasture’ commonly known as the ‘back way’. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost family members in this unfortunate venture.

The NHRC is deeply concerned with the widening political divide in the nation and the recent statements of H.E. the President made on different occasions.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is deeply saddened by the news of the shooting and death of two police officers by an unknown gunman. According to reports, another Police Officer was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition. The incident is as unfortunate as it is cowardly and totally condemnable.

The legal prohibition of FGM/C came after a long struggle, community awareness, social mobilization, and advocacy by women's rights defenders and organizations in the country premised on rigorous scientific and social research and international human rights standards.

As with previous years, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeks to continue honouring the Day of the African Child (DAC). The recognition of this day serves as a reminder of the 1976 Soweto Student Uprising and our commitment to uphold the rights of children, and a look to a progressive and fulfilling future for children in The Gambia.

"The Commission strongly reiterates that the conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections is integral to the country’s transitional justice process and any actions or utterances that hamper this will crucially jeopardise our much-anticipated democratic consolidation."

Our 1997 Constitution guarantees to all persons in the country the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religion or other beliefs.

Although every day of the year is a perfect opportunity to support and celebrate women in our communities, on March 8th- we highlight the gains, challenges and lessons learnt in our strife to empower and improves the lives of women and girls.

“NHRC is thrilled to register yet another milestone..."

The Commission strongly condemns this cowardly act orchestrated by unknown individuals whose motives caused fear and endangered local security.

“Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”

It is only through our collective resolve for rule of law that the ideals of ‘Never Again’ can find much meaning.

The Commission is deeply concerned about these unfortunate reports circulating on social media and therefore calls on the Government to shed light on the alleged incidents, verify where the alleged shootings took place, the circumstances surrounding same and what steps it is taking to ensure lives and property in these border villages are protected.

NHRC Statement on International Day for Older Persons 2022

Statement Presented by The National Human Rights Commission to the African Commission On Human And Peoples’ Rights During Its 71st Ordinary Session

World Day Against Trafficking

“We have an obligation to end to all forms of harmful practices which deny too many children, especially girls, the right to life, protection from inhumane and degrading treatment, the rights to development and education, dignity, and best attainable standard of physical and mental health..."

NHRC at 3-Years Granted ‘A’ Status Accreditation by the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation

A Police Officer is not only a guardian of the law but is also expected, as a duty bearer, to respect and protect the human rights of all people, including those who are even suspected of breaking the law.

Statement on Post Election Violence

Statement on the 2021 Presidential Election

NHRC STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRRC RECOMMENDATIONS

URGENT NEED TO END THE SPATE OF SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN OUR SOCIETY

Fire Incidence at Bilal Boarding School

WORRYING CONCERNS ABOUT STATEMENTS MADE BY HE PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW AND THE UDP LEADER AND FLAG BEARER OUSAINOU DAROBOE DURING THEIR POLITICAL RALLIES/CAMPAIGNS

ARBITRARY ARREST AND UNLAWFUL DETENTION OF ONE NENNEH FREDA GOMEZ AND LAMIN SEY

2021 International Day of Older Persons

2021 International Day of Older Persons

"A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night— It was the plant and flower of Light..."Ben Johnson With deep sadness and sorrow, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regrets to announce the passing of Dr. Agnes Kallay nee Campbell which sad event occurred in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday 31st July, 2021. Dr. Campbell was one of the pioneer Commissioners of the National Human Rights Commission when it was established in February 2019. She contributed immensely to the establishment of the Secretariat and in laying all the requisite pillars which have brought us thus far. With distinction she served until her early resignation in February 2020 due to ill health. Prior to joining the Commission, Dr. Campbell had worked with various organisations and institutions, at home and abroad, including the Ministry of Health, Royal Victoria Hospital as it was then known, and Action Aid International The Gambia. We would wish to extend this sad news to H.E President Adama Barrow and his entire Cabinet, the Hon. Speaker and Members of the National Assembly, members of the CSO fraternity, the UN Agencies in The Gambia, and all friends and colleagues. We pray that the Lord warmly welcomes her in His Kingdom. May her departed soul rest in eternal peace. Funeral service of the late Dr. Agnes Kallay Campbell will be held at the Saint Therese’s Church at Westfield on Wednesday 4th August at 2pm. Emmanuel D. Joof Chairperson National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is aware of a video recording on GTTV in which a man purported to be the Alkalo of Babylon, a settlement near Lamin village in the West Coast Region, made derogatory statements about Christians. His comments included his disapproval of the construction of a church in his village or allocating land for such a purpose. The Commission finds the remarks of the said Alkalo to be wrong, unwarranted, insensitive, demeaning, unjustified and totally disrespectful towards a faith whose believers have every right to construct their place of worship in the country.

Statement on the political climate of The Gambia

2021 NHRC Statement On Day of the African Child: A Gambia Fit for Children.

Statement on the 2021 International Women's Day celebration

Statement on the Surge in Covid-19 cases and the general non-compliance towards WHO Guidelines

NHRC 2nd Year Anniversary- Statement

Statement on the Celebration of the Ecowas Human Rights Day

the theme: "My voice, our equal future", provides Governments and all of us the occasion to ‘reimagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls – energized and recognized, counted and invested in’

“I am pleased to receive positive feedback from the IGP in a letter dated 28th September of his intention to implement the recommendations of the joint panel made after a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of assault against Commissioner Gorgi Mboob”, said Emmanuel Joof, Chairperson of the NHRC.

 

“I am happy to announce that as Inspector General of Police of The Gambia Police Force, we are dropping all charges against Mr. Madi Jobarteh as from today. No other action will be taken against him as far as this case is concerned”, said the IGP.

A longer and healthier life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for society as a whole.

“Democracy strives in an environment in which the Government, as the primary duty bearer, respects and safeguards the fundamental human rights of everyone, upholds the rule of law, respects international human rights standards, follows the due process, ensures right to access justice and remedies and is accountable to the people even in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic”, said Emmanuel D. Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.

"Discrimination of any type or nature, including one based on caste, has no place in a civilized society and certainly not in The Gambia where the 1997 Constitution accords every citizen and resident equal rights and protection and a free and dignified life."

The NHRC is extremely concerned about the statements uttered by President Adama Barrow at his recent political campaign in Farafenni when he seemingly took pride in the use of tear gas by the paramilitary unit of the Gambia Police Force to forceful dispersal a protest of the Three Years Jotna movement. In that same vein, the NHRC is equally perturbed by the remarks of Mr Ousainou Darbe, the UDP leader and presidential aspirant, to the President’s reference to him as the “CEO” of the 3 Year Jotna Movement by threatening to “ destroy” the President Such statements by political leaders have the potential to threaten the peace and stability of the country, as well as instigate violation of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and political participation as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia and other regional and international human rights instruments ratified by The Gambia. As an organ established by the State to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia and nurture a culture of respect for human rights, the Commission wishes to express in the strongest term its displeasure with such statements and to state categorically that utterances which would encourage and or glorify human rights violations and violence have no place in our society. We wish to remind all political leaders, their supporters and in particular the presidential aspirants, about the IEC Code on Election Campaign Ethics Order as well as their commitments under the Jangjanbureh Peace Accord which they have all signed and are obligated to abide by in both letter and spirit. These instruments expect political leaders/presidential aspirants to be well measured in their speeches and avoid inflammatory, provocative and inciting statements. As the country moves towards the December 4th 2021 Presidential election, we urge all the presidential candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and preach peaceful-co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance of diversity as embodied in our National Anthem. It is only under a climate of tranquillity, tolerance, and respect for human rights and the rule of law that a peaceful free, fair, transparent and credible Presidential elections can be conducted. We cannot afford a reversal of the democratic gains we have made since 2017. …………………………. Emmanuel D. Joof Chairperson National Human Rights Commission

Press statement on the alleged police brutality against Ebrima Sanneh