On behalf of the
Government and People of The Gambia, and on my own behalf, I welcome you all to
this historic opening ceremony. The Government of The Gambia is delighted to
host the 61st Ordinary Session of the
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights which also coincides with the
30thanniversary of the establishment of the Commission.
It is without doubt that
the Commission has worked tirelessly towards the promotion and protection of
human rights on the continent for the past 30 years. I wish
to recognize its excellent contributions and achievements in this regard. The
establishment of the Commission continues to be a source of immense pride and
hope for Africa - and in particular The Gambia as the host nation.
Madam
Chairperson,
The people of The Gambia
recognise the commitment and support of the African Commission in ensuring that
human rights are protected in The Gambia despite the uncooperative attitude of
the former government. The Commission never shied away from carrying out its
mandate even when it seemed impossible to do so in The Gambia and for this we
will remain forever grateful.
Madam
Chairperson,
Allow
me to also acknowledge the tremendous contributions of regional and
international human rights organisations, human rights defenders and NGOs, who
have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that the unfortunate situation of
our people remained on the regional and global political agenda. Thanks to
their efforts, the people of this country were not forgotten by the
international community.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will agree with me
that the African Continent has come a long way since the inception of the
Banjul Charter. Although there have been many obstacles along the way, there
have also been numerous achievements and milestones. Since the establishment
of the Commission, African States have made great strides in the promotion and
protection of human rights in their respective countries through the adoption
of laws and policies in fulfillment of their human rights obligations under the
Charter.
Although the level and extent of human rights protection varies from
State to State, the commitment to advance human rights is steadily gaining
ground throughout the continent. The sessions of the
Commission are therefore an important mechanism for all stakeholders to carry
out an objective assessment of the levels of implementation of our individual
obligations under the African Charter.
Excellences,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
On the home front, the
Government of The Gambia has enacted numerous laws aimed at the protection and
promotion of Human Rights. Most recently, on the margins of the United Nations
General Assembly, I signed five international treaties including the Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the
Abolition of the Death Penalty, and the Convention Against Enforced
Disappearances. In the next few months, we intend to ratify many human rights
related treaties including the Convention Against Torture.
One of the key reforms of
my administration is the adoption of a new Republican Constitution within the
shortest time possible. Existing constitutional provisions on protection of
human rights shall be strengthened in the new constitutional order.
However, it is important
to note that human rights protection must not only be about enacting laws on
paper. Concrete steps must be taken through the creation of institutions,
policies and programmes for the full realisation and enjoyment of these rights.
Madam
Chairperson,
Conscious of the fact that
Human Rights are undeniable and interdependent, my Government has been working -
towards - enhancing the lives of our citizens and ensuring that our obligations
under the African Charter are fulfilled.
My government has
resolved to improve the country’s legal and institutional environment and to
align the entire governance structure with international justice and human
rights standards. To this end, my
government has developed a National Development Plan for the period 2018 to
2021 which will serve as a blueprint for the realisation of our goals in
various areas of the Public Service. These include Security Sector Reform,
administration of Justice, the health sector, education, empowerment of women,
youths, and addressing children’s issues.
We are focused on
rebuilding a broken nation, and to lay the foundation of an administration of
justice system in the country capable of sustaining our democracy, and at the
same time deal with the past in a constructive manner.
As part of our
transitional justice project, we are in the process of establishing a Truth,
Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. This Commission will document the
widespread human rights violations of the previous Government with a view to
establishing an impartial historical record of the truth to foster social
cohesion and encourage national reconciliation. Essentially, these initiatives
aim to address impunity, and to recognize the rights and dignity of victims
through the provision of appropriate reparations to ensure the country is able
to move forward.
Madam
Chairperson,
I am proud to inform you
that since the inauguration of my Government at the beginning of the year, a
total number of 334 prisoners have now been released from prisons and other
detention centers around the country including all political and prisoners of
conscience.
241 pending criminal cases involving 304 accused persons were reviewed; prosecutions in 36 cases involving 86 accused persons were discontinued on the basis of insufficient evidence. Currently, there are fewer people held in remand awaiting trial or the conclusion of trial. Prisoners with medically certified mental disabilities have now been transferred from prisons to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
There has been a considerable
positive shift in the public space on the exercise of the right to freedom of
speech and the media which is vital in any genuine democracy. Presently, we are
working closely with international human rights organisations for the total
overhaul of the media laws to remove all repressive provisions that suppress
the fundamental right to freedom of Expression and opinion. Additionally, all
censorship of the private and public media has been removed.
My government also
recognises the need for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission
which has been delayed over the past few years. Efforts are currently underway
to finalize the bill for the establishment of a National Human Rights
Commission in compliance with the Paris Principles for the first time in the
history of this country.
Madam
Chairperson,
My Government is aware of
the obligation of The Gambia under the “Host State Agreement” to construct a
permanent structure to house the Secretariat of the African Commission on Human
and Peoples’ Rights. Consequently, the Ministry of Justice, in consultation
with the Secretariat of the Commission, has constituted a taskforce comprising
all stakeholders mandated, among other things, to raise funds for the
construction of the said Secretariat.
will be making a
Declaration pursuant to Article 34(6) of the Protocol to the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights on the establishment of an African Court on Human and
Peoples’ Rights to allow individuals and NGOs to have direct access to the
Court. The Government is equally
conscious of its other treaty obligations including the timely submission of
reports to the Commission under the Charter.
Madam
Chairperson,
The African dream that
gave life to the establishment of the Commission 30 years ago is much alive
today as it was then. I wish to reiterate the total commitment of the
Government of The Gambia to the African Commission and its ideals. We stand
ready and willing to work with you to champion the cause of respect for and
protection of human rights of all peoples on the African continent.
We call upon all States
on the continent to give their full support to the Commission.
Madam Chairperson,
I
am certain that this session would open the platform for fruitful deliberations
to assess and take stock of our achievements and challenges in the last 30
years.
I
extend my appreciation to you all for traveling from far and wide to attend
this celebratory session. Whilst wishing you fruitful deliberations, it is my
fervent hope that you will take time to explore and enjoy our smiling coast
during your stay.
Finally,
I extend my appreciation to the outgoing Commissioners for excellent service
rendered to the Commission over the years. We acknowledge your immense
contributions, individually and collectively, to the promotion and protection
of human rights in our continent. I am
optimistic that your successors will continue the good work that you have all
carried out during your respective tenures.
On
that note, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen it is
my singular honour and privilege to declare this 61stOrdinary
Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially open.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
####
Source: Press Office, State House
Verbatim reproduction of the speech delivered today, Wednesday 1st November 2017 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Banjul, The Gambia
