By Binta Jaiteh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended the government for releasing the white Paper and accepting TRRC recommendations.
Speaking at a press conference held recently, Dr Saikou Gassama, secretary of the National Human Right Commission said the outcome of the White Paper displays government’s commitment to ensure the implementation process.
According to him, the NHRC will closely monitor the implementation process.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Joof, chairman of the commission said: “when you talk about access to justice a lot cannot afford to follow the court system and we also recommend the state to come up with legislation so that they can kick start the process of having a minimum wage that will be means and merits of legal aid.
“It can’t be available not only in those two instances but other criminal matters and even civil matters that you will find out the report that was presented and submitted to the assembly came up with all this recommendations issues relating to freedom of speech, repealing of section 51, 54 of the criminal court and popularize access to information. The enforce provision and UN action plan for the safety of journalist.”
‘’We reported on issues relating to discrimination and our constitution a lot of you know that caste system in this country is very sensitive which is in the URR area and North Bank has become a problem,” he added.
According to him, the NHRC has set up a taskforce that will look into the caste system and we hope the study will assist the government for concrete policies with the view of eradicating the caste system.
“The commission looked at the right of disabilities and make recommendation, the act exist rights of women and trafficking, right to clean and healthy environment, economic and social rights. The report also talks about the recommendation of the TRRC which is a 2021 report as we all know two days ago those recommendation have been taken.
“The document state of human right report contains conventions and protocols the state has ratified that whether as a primary duty bearer has respected, guaranteed and protected human right fundamental freedoms and how the NHRC has carried out its monitoring and other related duties,” he added.