Ousman Sillah
From March 9 – 11, 2015, the Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan E.
Mendez addressed the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Genevaand discussed his latest country reports on a visit to The Gambia.After presenting a comprehensive report with an assessment of the
situation, conclusions and recommendations, among others, the Special
Rapporteur on Torture engaged in an interactive dialogue with Member
States and civil society on issues concerning the situation of human
rights in The Gambia.
In a summary of the advance report, it is stated “The Special
Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment undertook a visit to The Gambia from 3 to 7 November
2014.
“This was the first visit ever by United Nations Special Procedures
but it was compromised due to the Government’s unwillingness to grant
freedom of movement and inquiry to all areas of detention facilities,
despite its initial acceptance of the terms of reference for all
country visits by mandate holders. This report presents the
Rapporteur’s main findings and proposes recommendations which he
hopes the Government will use to commence a constructive dialogue with
all interlocutors to strengthen legal safeguards to prevent torture
and ill-treatment and improve the conditions of those deprived of
their liberty.”
Foroyaa will publish the full report in subsequent publications.]]>
