The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with support from the European Union (EU) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Thursday May 22 launched a nationwide initiative aimed at building a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable Gambia through dialogue between rights holders and duty bearers.
The interface, which kicked off at the Prime Atlantic Hotel in Banjul, seeks to promote citizen participation in shaping and evaluating the country’s development and reform agendas.
The discussions were centered on several priority issues, including the transitional justice process, particularly the implementation of the Government White Paper on the findings of the TRRC, the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan, Security Sector Reform, legal and institutional reform, state of human rights and human security in the country. The forums will also address The Gambia’s recent engagements at the international level, including recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), CRC, and CEDAW Committees.
Led by the National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia and supported by the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, these dialogues would create a space for open and meaningful engagement between citizens, policymakers, and duty bearers.
“This initiative is indeed timely. The Gambian civil society organisations are dynamic and increasingly mobilized as stakeholders advocating for human rights and improved governance for the benefit of all citizens,” His Excellency Raphael Brigandi, the Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation in The Gambia said. “These principles and values are the foundation upon which democracy is built on.”
These town halls aim to close the gap between state and society, foster trust, and promote greater transparency and accountability in public affairs.
By amplifying citizen voices and ensuring their concerns and aspirations inform national decision-making, we are contributing to a more democratic and people-centred governance process in The Gambia.
The interface will be expanded to other regions in a bid to ensure that the voices of all Gambians are heard and reflected in the country’s future.
