By Nelson Manneh
The Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD), on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 commenced a two-day round table discussion between civil society, the media, and the Police.
The discussion aims to highlight recurring human rights violations, clarification of the roles of oversight institutions in protecting freedom of association, speech, and assembly, assessment of previous efforts, and coordinate proactive measures.
The two-day discussion according to stakeholders will lead to the development of a position paper to propose an amendment to the Public Order Act which restricts freedom of assembly, for submission to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant stakeholders.
Degain Jobe, CRPD’s advocacy officer said over the years, the Gambia as a country has made significant improvements in its human rights record both nationally and internationally.
“Despite initial progress in promoting and protecting human rights, significant challenges persist that threaten people’s dignity, freedom, and well-being. As a growing democracy, we still have challenges in the dispensation of human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance,” she said.
Moreover, she said as an institution dedicated to upholding and advancing human rights standards, the insights and perspectives of stakeholders are invaluable in addressing pressing human rights challenges that ‘our’ country faces.
Lamin Jaiteh, Deputy Commissioner of the Gambia Police Force said democratic policing is the order of the day and the police is doing all it can to make sure that people’s rights are respected.
“The police is now open to discussion with civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote human rights,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Jaiteh said the police have endeavoured to maintain respect for the rule of law and to protect lives and properties.
