The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice has welcomed the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) latest public briefing and the release of its 2025 human rights reports, describing the exercise as an important step toward transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
In our statement, we have endorsed the NHRC’s concerns over prison conditions, police conduct, restrictions on peaceful assembly, the slow implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations, and the broader state of human rights in the Gambia.
While acknowledging progress in establishing legal and institutional frameworks since 2017, EFSCRJ argued that these gains have not translated into stronger protection of rights. The Centre stressed that institutions and laws alone cannot guarantee democracy unless they are enforced impartially, institutions operate independently, and public officials faithfully uphold the Constitution.
The Centre further noted that civil and political rights continue to face threats from police brutality, unlawful restrictions on public assemblies, and poor detention conditions, while economic and social rights are increasingly undermined by rising healthcare and education costs, erratic utility services, and poor public service delivery. We also expressed concern that only 46 of the 263 accepted TRRC recommendations have so far been fully implemented.
To strengthen the rule of law and human rights protection, EFSCRJ called for stronger political commitment to constitutional governance, reforms to guarantee the independence of the Gambia Police Force, expanded powers for the NHRC, and the establishment of a specialised Human Rights Court to enhance access to justice and accountability.
The Centre concluded by reminding public officials that the Constitution places sovereignty in the hands of the people and obliges every organ of State to respect, protect, and fulfil the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Gambians.
“Human rights are not a privilege granted by government. They are constitutional guarantees that every public institution is duty-bound to respect, protect and fulfil.” Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director, EFSCRJ
