By Binta Jaiteh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday engaged the National Assembly Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, and Gender, Children and Social Welfare on the status of implementation of the government’s white paper on the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Speaking at the forum held at Bakadaji Hotel, Honorable Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of the NA said the two-day workshop was geared towards building the capacity of Honourable members on their oversight role about human rights issues and related matters, as well as familiarizing themselves with the functions of the Commission.
“It could be recalled that the National Human Rights Commission was established by an act of the National Assembly in December 2017, and assented to by the President on the 24th of January 2018, with a broad mandate to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia,” DS Seedy Njie reminded the gathering.
Consequently, he said, it is gratifying to note that the mandate of the Commission since its inception, is commendable, considering its efforts in boosting human rights standards in the country through the formulation of guidelines, policies, and Standards Operating Procedures (SOP).
However, it is also recognized that the Commission develops and adapts tools and best practices to optimize the human rights obligations of The Gambia and the culture of respect for rights and freedoms through sensitization and awareness creation.
In addition, he said the Hon Members would be enlightened about international human rights norms and standards which could help the House to address human rights violations
Mr Njundu Drammeh, a Commissioner at NHRC also said the workshop was very crucial to their institution in many ways because NHRC reports to the national assembly and they have oversight over the NHRC. “We have established a great relationship with the standing on human rights,” he noted.
He expressed hope that at the end of the two-day workshop, there would be unanimity on the core values of human rights.