Obafemi Awolowo University Won a Cash Prize of GMD150,000 ($2,226)

Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria emerged as the winner of the 4th Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Moot Court Competition organized by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the University of The Gambia Faculty of Law, with funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

The Moot Court is a key activity of NHRC to create a platform for university students across Africa to to practice and improve both their written and oral advocacy skills in the field of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The final stage of the moot competition was held on the 10th of December 2023 at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day.

Speaking at the opening of the Moot Court finals, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Daniel Joof, gave a historical background of the Competition started in 2020 and how it aligns with Section 12 of the NHRC Act 201, which mandates the Commission to promote awareness of, and respect for human rights through public awareness and education programmes, and to create a culture of human rights in The Gambia. Chairperson Joof paid tribute to and recognized the legacy of the former President of the Republic of the Gambia, Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, whom the Moot Court is named after.

“We named this International Moot Court competition after the first President of The Gambia, the late Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, as a befitting tribute for his contribution in laying the foundation for the establishment of the African Human Rights System. This is a manifestation of the enduring legacy of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who was known as a respecter of human rights during an era when respect, promotion and protection of human rights in Africa was a rarity”. Said Commissioner Joof.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Mr. Ebrima Saho gave a historical context of human rights, offering an overview of the evolution of human rights in The Gambia.

Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the WHO Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, stated: “Today, we join the world in celebration 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and we take this opportunity to take stock of where we are and and how we want to proceed in terms of ensuring the full realization and enjoyment of everyone’s human rights in The Gambia”.

Deputizing for Ms. Mariam Denton, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, also provided a succinct history of human rights in The Gambia, with specific reference to the neglect of human rights during the 22-year rule of former President, Yahya Jammeh.

Madam Jabbie described the current human rights situation as transformative, to ensure that human rights are not just merely acknowledged but genuinely enjoyed by all.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony included Ms. Enya Braun, The EU representative, Ms. Jainaba Faye, Head of Country Office and Programme Manager, International IDEA, and Ms. Shodimu, a participant from the University of Lagos.

The theme of the Moot Court competition centered on the justiciability of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The mooters argued on a hypothetical case before the African Court.

After the preliminary rounds, University of Lagos, Makerere University, the University of The Gambia and Obafemi Owolowo University made it to the semifinals. Following intense submissions by the participants, who argued for both the applicant and respondent, and meticulous assessments by the panel of Judges, University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University proceeded to the final stage of the competition.

In a grueling and intense final round, both universities demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, navigating complex human rights scenarios and presenting compelling arguments rooted in international human rights law. However, Obafemi Awolowo University emerged as the winners with a cash prize of GMD150,000 and the University of Lagos as the runner ups with a cash prize of GMB 100,000.

The following seven Universities participated in the preliminary rounds: Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, University of The Gambia, International Open University, The Gambia, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Makerere University, Uganda (Uganda), University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and Fourah Bay College were dropped at the preliminary rounds, while the University of Calaba, Nieria, was disqualified for plagiarism.