By: Isatou Sarr
A capacity-building workshop on justice and correctional reform was organized yesterday at the Ocean Bay Hotel.
The workshop was organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS).
Held on Thursday, 13th November, at the Ocean Bay Hotel, the engagement aimed to raise awareness on key legislative initiatives and foster informed dialogue on justice and correctional reform in The Gambia.
In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the NHRC, says The Gambia continues to experience significant transformation since the country’s democratic transition in 2017.
“One of the pillars of this transformation is security sector reform, a process aimed at ensuring that our security institutions are professional, accountable, and aligned with democratic and human rights principles,” he stated.
He added that a reformed security sector that respected human rights was vital to sustaining peace, stability, and public trust in state institutions.
“Our role as an institution mandated to promote and protect human rights is to guide, advise, and support this process,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of UNODC, Awa Joof Peters commended the NHRC for its leadership and continued commitment to promoting human rights, accountability, and the rule of law.
“Let us continue to work together towards a security architecture grounded in human rights, accountability, and the rule of law,” she remarked. “Through our collective commitment, we can make measurable progress that strengthens both our institutions and our democracy.”
Yvonne Masarakufa from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights congratulated the NHRC for its steadfast leadership in promoting a human rights–based approach to security sector reform.
“Your efforts continue to strengthen the rule of law and reinforce accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity,” she said.
Masarakufa emphasized that implementing human rights recommendations is not only a legal obligation but also a pathway to building public trust and sustainable peace.
“When security personnel integrate human rights principles into their daily work, they contribute to a safer and more cohesive society,” she added.
