My fellow Gambians,

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established by the NHRC Act 2017, giving The Gambia its first ever National Human Rights Commission with a mandate to promote and protect human rights.

One of its core functions is to investigate a violation of any human right, at its own initiative or through a complaint made by any person or a group of persons.

The Commission also formulates guidelines, policies and Standard Operating Procedures to guide and ensure that state institutions including law enforcement uphold human rights standards that are consistent with the rule of law and justice.

At its session held from 14 to 25 March 2022, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) granted the NHRC 'A' Status just after 3 years of its operation. This means that the NHRC is deemed fully compliant with the United Nations Paris Principles which are a set of international standards that rate National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on their independence, inclusivity, diversity and broad mandate.

With this achievement, The Gambia joins 118 members of GANHRI, 86 of whom are “A” status NHRIs and 32 “B” status NHRIs around the world. 

As we continue to promote and protect human rights for everyone, I urge all gambians and residents to respect the rule of law as you enjoy the liberties guaranteed by the laws of The Gambia.