By: Rohey Samba
In a significant step to ensure that government financial decisions align with human rights obligations and standards by prioritizing people and ensuring resources are raised, allocated, and spent to meet everyone’s fundamental rights, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with partnership from the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Thursday, 9th October 2025 organized a training on human rights based approach to budgeting for National Assembly members at Kombo Beach Hotel, Senegambia.
In his address, Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson for the NHRC, described the training as timely and significant, as it seeks to strengthen the capacity of members and staff of the National Assembly to integrate human rights principles, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights, into the national budgeting process.
Mr Karle Fedrick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator, alluded to the chairman’s address, saying the training comes at a critical moment, as the country continues to strengthen democratic institutions through sustainable development.
Through human rights budget analysis, stakeholders can assess whether public funds are being effectively and appropriately raised and directed towards sectors that underpin the fulfilment of basic human rights, such as healthcare, education, and social protection.
Honourable Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, said the workshop is of added significance as the country moves towards the forthcoming budget sessions, which are about a month away. This training will undoubtedly equip members of the National Assembly, particularly members of the committee that are present here today.”
