By Makutu Manneh
Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of The Gambia’s National Assembly, has reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian norms and the protection of human dignity, while emphasizing the need for collective action to enforce international humanitarian law, particularly in conflict situations such as in Palestine.
He made the remarks during the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19–23 October 2025. The Assembly convened under the theme, “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Actions in Times of Crisis.”
Deputy Speaker Njie underscored that The Gambia remains dedicated to building a just world—one where nations measure strength not by military might but by compassion, where leadership is defined by empathy rather than dominance, and where every individual, irrespective of race, faith, or nationality, can live in peace and dignity. “Let this Assembly rise beyond resolutions and rhetoric, and act as the conscience of humanity. For when we uphold humanitarian norms, we preserve not only the lives of others, but we truly preserve the moral soul of the world itself,” Njie stated.
He further emphasized that, as a small nation, The Gambia’s experience demonstrates that moral leadership is measured not by power or wealth, but by courage: the courage to speak truth in the face of injustice, to act when others hesitate, and to defend the sanctity of life even when it is unpopular. “Upholding humanitarian norms is not an act of charity; it is a test of our shared humanity and our collective integrity,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Njie called on the IPU to strengthen the international framework that safeguards humanitarian principles. He stressed that humanitarian aid must never be politicized, that international humanitarian law must be enforced impartially, and that parliaments worldwide must hold their governments accountable for upholding these “sacred norms.”
He further highlighted that the protection of civilians in conflict, the dignity of refugees, and the impartiality of humanitarian actors are non-negotiable obligations under international law.
Njie also referenced The Gambia’s constitutional provisions, which enshrine the inviolable dignity of every individual and guarantee equality before the law. He added that oversight mechanisms have been enhanced to ensure that security institutions comply with international humanitarian standards, with human rights and humanitarian law now integral to national security training. The establishment of an independent National Human Rights Commission further reinforces accountability, giving citizens a voice and ensuring redress for violations.
“Oversight mechanisms have been strengthened to hold our security institutions accountable to international humanitarian standards. In fact, training in human rights and humanitarian law is now an integral part of our national security curriculum. The establishment of an independent National Human Rights Commission further reinforces institutional accountability, giving citizens a voice and ensuring that violations are met with redress.”
Addressing the situation in Palestine, Deputy Speaker Njie condemned the occupation, collective punishment, and attacks on civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, in Gaza and across Palestinian territories.
“The Gambia stands shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and self-determination. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the callous destruction of homes, hospitals, and humanitarian corridors by Israel, acts that constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States and other partners to broker peace between Israel and Palestine, Njie stressed that the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people—including statehood, self-determination, and sovereignty—are non-negotiable. “True peace cannot be built on occupation, dispossession, or denial of justice; it must rest on equality, dignity, and mutual respect,” he concluded.