HUMAN RIGHTS

The Government of The Gambia holds the view that the development of a nation is best promoted in an environment that allows democratic participation, the rule of law and respect for human rights, both civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights. Chapter IV of the 1997 Constitution of the Second Republic provides for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms without distinction as to "race, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status". The 1997 Constitution goes further to entrench certain basic rights not included in the 1970 Constitution. These are the right to marry, the basic rights of women to equal treatment and opportunities, the right of children to a name, nationality and protection under the age of sixteen from economic exploitation and hazardous work, the right to education, and the rights of people with disabilities.

At the continental level, The Gambia has hosted the headquarters of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights since its establishment almost fifteen (15) years ago. The Government has recently allocated a large piece of prime land measuring 150 metres x 150 metres along the coast and partly fenced for the headquarters of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, and is presently actively pursuing plans for the construction of the Commission’s headquarters building. In addition, The Gambia was among the first states partied to ratify the protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the establishment of an African Court on Human and People’s Rights in 1999 and recently became the first state to sign the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. In 2000 The Gambia ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and plans to be the first state to ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.

The Government also plans to incorporate into our municipal laws the provisions of the Charter and Protocols which are not already part of our laws.