National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The National Human Rights Commission Act

On 13 December 2017, the National Assembly passed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act. The President assented to it on 13 January 2018. The NHRC Act establishes a Commission for the promotion and protection of human rights in The Gambia. The Commission shall consist of five people ( including at least two women):

  • Chairperson who must be a legal practitioner of not less than ten years post-call experience and has an additional at least five years of experience in promotion or protection of human rights in any capacity;

  • A vice-chairperson who has acquired not less than five years expertise in his or her field; and

  • three other members.

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These five commissioners, all of whom are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the selection panel made of representative from the Association of Non-Governmental organisation (TANGO), the Gambia Bar Association (GBA), the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, the National Youth Council (NYC), the Female Lawyers' Association of The Gambia (FLAG), the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and a government representative (who is not entitled to vote). The panel shall also comprised of at least two women. Find more information about the commissioners here.

The NHRC is authorised to investigate and consider complaints of human rights violations in The Gambia, including violations by private persons and entities. The NHRC can do the following:

  • receive and hear complaints from the public on human rights violations,

  • recommend appropriate remedial actions to the Government and seeks appropriate remedial actions on behalf of victims,

  • reserves the right to investigate suspected cases of human rights violations and to report to the Government and all relevant institutions on any such investigations; and

  • summon any person, official or authority to appear before it. Such individuals or authorities can be:

DOWNLOAD the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017.

DOWNLOAD the NHRC Amendment Act 2020.

2019 Annual Report of the NHRC

On 5 June 2020, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) presented its 2019 Annual Report to the National Assembly. The report highlights the role of the NHRC in supporting The Gambia as it transitions to a society that respects and upholds fundamental human rights. The Report showcases key achievements in this area, lessons learned and challenges, and reflects the collaborations and partnerships of the Commission in fulfilling its broad mandate of promoting and protecting human rights in The Gambia.

DOWNLOAD the 2019 Annual Report of the NHRC