A Gambia where everyone enjoys human rights and freedoms.
About NHRC / Who We Are

The NHRC seeks to boost human rights standards in The Gambia

The NHRC seeks to boost human rights standards in The Gambia and to nurture a culture of respect for rights and freedoms guaranteed by the rule of law. This is done through capacity building and awareness creation of law enforcement, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and communities using:

  • Online platforms and print media – social media (twitter, facebook and youtube), TV, radio, newspaper, etc
  • Training, conferences, seminars and press briefings.
  • Outreach programmes to rural communities, regional government offices and CSOs.
  • Publishes guidelines and manuals for a better understanding of rights, duties and obligations of all.
 

NHRC Strategic Plan 2021-2025 Abridged Version?

Welcome remarks

By the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission

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.

 

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Powers of the Commission

The NHRC of The Gambia has the prerogative to:

Receive and hear complaints

from the public on human rights violations,

Recommend appropriate remedial actions

to the Government and seeks appropriate remedial actions on behalf of victims

Reserves the right to investigate suspected cases

of human rights violations and to report to the Government and all relevant institutions on any such investigations; and

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Recent Press Releases

NHRC Condemns the Shooting and Killing of Police Officers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is deeply saddened by the news of the shooting and death of two police officers by an unknown gunman. According to reports, another Police Officer was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition. The incident is as unfortunate as it is cowardly and totally condemnable.
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Statement on Attempts to Repeal Anti-FGM/C Laws

The legal prohibition of FGM/C came after a long struggle, community awareness, social mobilization, and advocacy by women's rights defenders and organizations in the country premised on rigorous scientific and social research and international human rights standards.
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Statement on the Commemoration of the Day of the African Child

As with previous years, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeks to continue honouring the Day of the African Child (DAC). The recognition of this day serves as a reminder of the 1976 Soweto Student Uprising and our commitment to uphold the rights of children, and a look to a progressive and fulfilling future for children in The Gambia.
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