By: Kemo Kanyi
The government of The Gambia announced that it has successfully completed the review of its initial report under the Convention on Enforced Disappearances (CED).
The event took place in Geneva on 18 and 19 March 2025.
The government said a high-level delegation, led by Hon. Dawda A Jallow, Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, participated in the dialogue, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Armed Forces, the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Prison Service, and the State Intelligence Service.
The government cited its commitment to addressing enforced disappearance, strengthening national legal frameworks, and providing justice to everyone in a fair and transparent atmosphere.
“The initial report, which was inclusively prepared and submitted to the Committee in 2021, reflects the Gambia’s commitment to addressing enforced disappearances, strengthening legal frameworks, and ensuring justice for victims and their families. The review provided an important opportunity for The Gambia to present the measures undertaken to prevent enforced disappearances, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable in line with its international obligations since the ratification of the Convention in 2018,” the government outlined in a statement on Wednesday.
The government said the delegation engaged constructively with the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, responding to observations and reaffirming the Gambia’s dedication to enhancing its legal and institutional mechanisms.
The Gambia government reassures the implementation of recommendations made by the committee about human rights violations.
“The government remains fully committed to implementing the committee’s recommendations and will continue working towards strengthening human rights protections, promoting accountability, and preventing future violations,” the statement read.
The Government of The Gambia expresses its “sincere” appreciation to the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, development partners, the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva, and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of this review.
