Executive Secretary
National Human Rights Commission
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Dr. Saikou Kawsu Gassama, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that the commission spends D1.7 million on rent annually.
“The money we are using for ranting can build a place for us because 1.7 million is not a small sum. So, if we have land from the government that will really help us,” he said.
Gassama called on the NAMs to help the commission get a land where they can build an office and described renting as “too stressful” considering the sum they spend annually.
The NHRC Executive Secretary said NHRC reached out to the Lands Ministry several times, but they are yet to get a response.
He said it came to their knowledge that the place the TRRC hearings took place belongs to the government and suggested that place to be allocated to them, if allocating them a land would be a problem.
Dr. Gassama made the disclosure on Thursday before the National Assembly select committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters.
The Chairman of the committee, Honourable Madi Ceesay assured the commission that his committee would try to make sure their challenges are addressed.
A member of the committee, Honourable Fatoumatta Njai told the NHRC that the committee would help them fulfil their mandate for the realisation of the “Never Again” campaign.
Another committee member, Honourable Bakary K. Badjie said the government should not have a problem allocating land to the Commission.
“They are giving out lands to individuals like the National Assembly members. So why not institutions like the NHRC?” he asked.