Gambia Bar Association (GBA) and National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide and endorsed establishing legal aid desks by providing free legal services for prisoners.
The MoU signed on May 3, 2019 Cape Point Bakau, covered prisoners in remand, juveniles in detention and those accused of serious crimes in each of the three prisons of The Gambia .
The MOU details the commitment of the Prisons Service, NALA and GBA to provide pro bono services to detainees held at Mile 2, Jeshwang and Janjanbureh Prisons.
UNDP will provide support in terms of establishing offices within the prisons while NALA and GBA made undertaking to providing free legal services for prisoners on remand, juveniles in detention and those accused of serious crimes.
The signing ceremony was witness by Director General Ansumana Manneh on behalf of the Prisons Service, Mr. Salieu Taal, President of the Gambia Bar Association (GBA) and Mr. Kemo Ceesay, Executive Secretary for the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) the Chairwoman of NALA Ms. Neneh Cham, the UNDP deputy resident representative, Ms. Nessie Golakai-Gould, the Commissioner of administration for the Gambia Prisons Service, Mr. Kalilu Jatta, and the UNDP chief technical advisor for rule of law, Ms. Shahzada Ahmad.
Ansumana Manneh, director general Gambia Prisons Service described detainee is human beings who deserve to be respected just as any other individual.
Ms. Golakai-Gould, UNDP deputy resident representative stated that her office will ensure that those that need justice have access to justice that is affordable and accessible.
Salieu Taal, President of GBA stated that, “it is important we understand our role in society and our role in ensuring we protect the rights of all citizens.”
Kemo Ceesay, executive secretary National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) emphasized the importance of legal aid, saying “with this MOU we will have unfettered access to our clients in prison for proper, effective, and quality consultations that will help them through the court system.”
He added: “With this agreement, the parties have taken a great stride towards increasing access to justice for those in need.”