By Landing Ceesay
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) started a 3-day training workshop for 30 senior and middle-level officers of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency-Gambia (DLEA-G) on fundamental human rights and freedoms as enshrined in the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia and other laws of the country and ratified international and regional human rights instruments.
In a statement released to the press, NHRC surmised that the training will help enhance the knowledge of participants on the mandate and functions of the DLEAG among other things.
“In its efforts towards nurturing a culture of human rights amongst duty bearers, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently commenced a three-day capacity strengthening workshop for 30 senior and middle-level officers of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency-Gambia (DLEA-G) from Kaur, Wassu, Brikamaba, Bansang, and Basse, Stations respectively. The training, which is the first for Officers of DLEAG is being held in Basse, URR, and aims to enhance the knowledge of participants on the mandate and functions of the DLEAG and NHRC as well as on fundamental human rights and freedoms as enshrined in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and other laws of the country, and in ratified international and regional human rights instruments.”
“As part of the workshop, participants’ expertise will also be strengthened on the rights of children and women in conflict with the law, how to conduct child-friendly and gender-sensitive interviews and investigations, and the duty to respect and protect the rights of suspects from point of arrest to prosecution,”
In 2017, The National Assembly enacted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act 2017. With this Act, The Gambia established its first-ever NHRC with a mandate to promote and protect human rights.
One of the core functions of the NHRC is to investigate violations of human rights, at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or a group of persons.
The Commission also formulates guidelines, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures to guide and ensure that state institutions including law enforcement uphold human rights standards that are consistent with the rule of law and justice.
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