By Haddy Touray
A new national platform, the Human Rights Defenders Network – The Gambia (HRDN The Gambia), has been established to strengthen coordination, protection and advocacy among human rights defenders across the country.
The Network was established with the support of the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and facilitated by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS).
According to its founding framework, HRDN The Gambia is an independent, inclusive and non-profit platform bringing together individuals and organisations involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Human rights defenders include activists, journalists, lawyers, whistleblowers and community-based organisations working to document rights violations, support victims, investigate matters of public interest and advocate against discrimination and corruption.
The Network said defenders can face various risks in the course of their work, including intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, online abuse and other forms of reprisal.
It said defenders working in rural communities or on sensitive issues could face additional challenges, including isolation and limited access to support mechanisms.
HRDN The Gambia’s constitution provides for the coordination of human rights defenders across the country, capacity building, monitoring of violations and advocacy for laws and practices that protect civic space.
It also provides for rapid response, referrals and assistance to defenders facing threats or other forms of risk.
The Network’s stated vision is to contribute to a just, democratic and inclusive Gambia where human rights defenders can operate freely and safely and where citizens enjoy dignity, equality and justice.
Its work is grounded in the Gambian Constitution as well as African and international human rights standards.
The Network has identified independence, non-violence, confidentiality and accountability among its core values.
The executive includes Madi Jobarteh as Chairperson, Aji Isatou Nyan as Vice Chairperson, Isatou Jawara as Treasurer and Yankuba Keita as Coordinator.
Other members are Omar Sanyang, Youth Representative; Oumie Jagne, Women Representative; Fatoumatta Jallow, Persons with Disabilities Representative; and Aji Fatou Bah, Children Representative.
HRDN The Gambia is expected to begin introductory engagements with stakeholders ahead of its official launch on 10 December 2026, which coincides with International Human Rights Day.
The Network also plans to conduct media and social media campaigns to raise awareness about its mandate and activities.
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