28/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Gambia / RightDocs

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Document Type: Final Report

Date: 2014 Dec

Session: 28th Regular Session (2015 Mar)

Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review

GE.14-25081 (E)



Human Rights Council Twenty-eighth session

Agenda item 6

Universal Periodic Review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Gambia

* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.

Contents

Paragraphs Page

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1–4 3

I Summary of the proceedings of the review process ................................................ 5–108 3

A. Presentation by the State under review ........................................................... 5–28 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ........................ 29–108 6

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations ..................................................................... 109–110 14

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 25

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twentieth session from

27 October to 7 November 2014. The review of the Gambia was held at the 3rd meeting on

28 October 2014. The delegation of the Gambia was headed by Basiru V.P. Mahoney,

Attorney General and Minister of Justice. At its 10th meeting held on 31 October 2014, the

Working Group adopted the report on the Gambia.

2. On 15 January 2014, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the Gambia: France, Kenya and Maldives.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of

the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of the

Gambia:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/20/GMB/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/20/GMB/2);

(A/HRC/WG.6/20/GMB/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to the Gambia through the troika.

These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review (UPR).

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation of the Gambia started by stating that the country had made great

efforts to strengthen human rights in several areas, from education and health, to the rights

of women, children, persons with disabilities and fundamental freedoms, while maintaining

a balance with security to ensure a stable environment for socio-economic development.

6. The delegation reiterated the particular circumstances of the Gambia that must be

borne in mind when considering human rights, notably its size, at barely 11,500 square

kilometres, with a population of less than 1.8 million people. It added that the Gambia was

a secular State with different religions living together side by side in peace and harmony, as

did the several ethnic tribes throughout the country.

7. Regarding access to the justice, the delegation noted that the Government

recognized that it was a fundamental right that was necessary for the maintenance of a

stable environment for socio-economic development. To that end, several mechanisms have

been introduced to improve access to justice, such as the National Agency for Legal Aid

(NALA) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS). The delegation added

that the judiciary had continued its decentralization programme with the establishment of

Magistrates’ Courts in all regions, and that it was in the process of establishing Cadi Courts

and Children’s Courts all over the country as well as more High Courts in addition to the

ones in Banjul, Basse and Brikama.

8. On the right to education, the delegation stated that the Gambia was one of the

leading African countries that had met the Millennium Development Goals with respect to

primary school enrolment free of charge as well as gender parity. The Government plans to

expand free education to secondary schools by 2015 for both boys and girls. The delegation

added that more schools with a proximity range of three kilometres had been built to

provide access to education for every Gambian child. Moreover, according to the

delegation, the University of The Gambia continues to register annual increases in the

number of students and has launched a new undergraduate degree programme in

journalism.

9. With regard to the right to health, the delegation noted that the Gambia offered

health services to the public at a very affordable flat fee for consultation and prescription

medicine. There are several health centres with qualified nurses in every region, and

referral hospitals manned by qualified doctors. The delegation added that maternal and

antenatal health care was offered free of charge in all public health facilities. The delegation

stated that, with the advent of the Ebola virus epidemic, the Gambia had taken strong

preventative steps, including sensitization of the public, increased surveillance at border

points and the provision of protective clothing to all personnel concerned, as well as Ebola

test kits.

10. In the domain of the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, the

delegation noted that the Gambia had taken great strides to reinforce their rights. In order to

combat gender-based violence, two pieces of legislation were enacted in December 2013.

The Domestic Violence Act addresses domestic violence and provides protection for the

victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children, and the Sexual Offences

Act criminalizes every form of sexual assault, exploitation and harassment.

11. The delegation mentioned that the Gambia had ratified the Convention on the Rights

of the Child and the provisions of this Convention had been domesticated in the Children’s

Act 2005. It also noted that law enforcement officers had been trained on children-related

laws, that police stations countrywide had Child Welfare Units manned by officers trained

on issues relating to children and that shelters for children had been established.

12. The delegation also noted that campaigns to create awareness of the danger of child

sexual abuse and exploitation had been launched and sensitization of stakeholders had been

undertaken in the tourism industry to ensure greater protection of children from sexual

exploitation.

13. In terms of juvenile justice, the delegation said that two additional children’s courts

had been established; child offenders were provided with free legal representation; and

children were always separated from adults, from the pretrial to trial stage.

14. On the rights of persons with disabilities, the delegation mentioned that the Gambia

had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as well as its

Optional Protocol (OP-CRPD) and that a draft Disability Bill was under consultation.

15. Regarding the fight against trafficking in persons, the delegation mentioned the

establishment of the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons, which had started its

operations in December 2011, and had engaged in a countrywide sensitization programme

to enlighten the public on the dangers and legal consequences of human trafficking.

16. With regard to asylum, the delegation recalled that in 2013, the Government had

signed and ratified the Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on

the Reduction of Statelessness. Moreover, the Gambia Commission for Refugees, which is

responsible for the security and protection of refugees, issues visitor passes to refugees,

which enable them to travel freely within the member States of the Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS).

17. Concerning the judiciary, the delegation stated that the Judges (Remuneration

Allowances and Other Benefits) Bill, which was currently under consultation, would

enhance the security of tenure of judicial officers in the long run and contribute to justice

delivery services. It added that a second commercial court and a pretrial court had been

established.

18. On fundamental freedoms, the delegation stated that the Constitution, the Criminal

Procedure Code and the Police Act, among others, provided safeguards for persons under

investigation and in detention. It also noted that persons suspected of having committed

offences may be detained for up to 72 hours and thereafter must be brought before a court.

According to the delegation, the Government has taken many measures to decongest the

prisons and to improve prison conditions as well as the social welfare of prisoners. It added

that, in 2013, special hearing dates had been organized for Mile 2 Prison remand wing

inmates; trials had been conducted expeditiously; and persons for whom no sufficient

evidence supported their charges had been acquitted and discharged.

19. Regarding the conditions of detention, the delegation mentioned that the Ministry of

Interior, in collaboration with the Prison Services Department, had made efforts to renovate

the security wing and increase the size of cells and cells allocation. Practical steps to

promote rehabilitation of prisoners through education and vocational training have also

been taken. Furthermore, according to the delegation, a doctor visits the prisons on a daily

basis to provide medical services to sick inmates, and trained nurses are also present to

attend to inmates.

20. On freedom of speech, expression and assembly, the delegation stated that the

Gambia was committed to creating a conducive environment for the media to operate freely

and to ensure a free flow of information, as provided for in the Constitution. Consequently,

the Information and Communications Act 2009 was passed into law to provide for the

restructuring, development and regulation of the information and communications sectors.

Underlining that the right to freedom of expression was not absolute, the delegation

mentioned that the Criminal Code provided for the offences of criminal libel and sedition. It

added that, since 1994, there has been a steady increase in the number of radio stations and

newspapers.

21. With regard to the issue of the female genital mutilation (FGM), the delegation

explained that a National Plan of Action to Accelerate the Abandonment of FGM had been

formulated. Acknowledging that FGM was still being practiced in the country, the

delegation stated that this harmful practice was being addressed by the Government and

civil society organizations through community empowerment programmes.

22. On the establishment of a national human rights institution, the delegation said that

the draft National Human Rights Commission Bill was currently being revised to ensure

compliance with international standards before being presented to the legislature for

consideration. It added that, while the Commission was in the process of being established,

the Office of the Ombudsman had a wide mandate, such as investigating allegations of

maladministration, mismanagement or discrimination in any government department,

authority, or other public body.

23. Regarding the death penalty, the delegation recalled that it had been abolished in

1993 but reinstated in 1995 by a Decree which had been accepted as the law when the

Constitution was adopted by referendum in 1997. The delegation stated that the application

of the death penalty was limited to murder and treasonable offences, meaning only to “most

serious crimes”. Furthermore, Gambian law prescribes that the procedural guarantees,

including the right to a fair hearing by an independent tribunal, presumption of innocence,

minimum guarantees for the defence, and the right to review by a higher tribunal prescribed

must be observed before the death penalty could be applied. Those rights are applicable in

addition to the particular right to seek pardon.

24. The delegation stated that the issue of elections had caused some controversial

decisions to be made by international organizations, usually on the basis of boycotts by

political parties. It noted, however, that all Gambians eligible to vote had access to

registration centres, and that campaign periods regulated by the Independent Electoral

Commission gave each party equal airtime on national television.

25. Regarding the reduction of poverty, the delegation noted that the Government had

formulated a number of policies and strategies, such as Vision 2020, the development

strategy and investment programme for 2012–2015, called the Programme for Accelerated

Growth and Employment (PAGE), which is the successor to the Poverty Reduction

Strategy Programme II (PSRP II). A recent programme for food self-sufficiency, called

Vision 2016 has been launched; it seeks to encourage farmers to move from small- to

larger-scale farming and to produce the necessary volume for consumption by the

population. The delegation explained that the main objective of PAGE was to accelerate

growth and employment, and thereby reduce poverty and improve the well-being of the

population. In terms of food security and agriculture, the delegation noted that the

Government’s priority was to transform the country into a major supplier of agricultural

products to the local and international markets.

26. On treaty obligations, the delegation stated that the Gambia had made strides in

fulfilling its treaty reporting obligations since the last reporting period. In 2012, the United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had organized a workshop to train government

officials on treaty reporting to the United Nations and, in 2013, a National Treaty Reporting

Task Force was established. The delegation added that the Gambia had submitted a number

of reports, including the initial report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights in 2011.

27. The delegation mentioned that in a bid to implement the recommendations of the

first cycle of the UPR, the Gambia had constituted a multisectorial National Task Force

composed of various government ministries and agencies as well as members of civil

society organizations in order to formulate a National Action Plan for the implementation

of the recommendations.

28. On United Nations special procedures, the delegation noted that the Gambia had no

objection to any visits by Special Rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council. It added that,

in fact, some Special Rapporteurs were preparing to visit the country during the first week

of November 2014.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

29. During the interactive dialogue, 62 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report.

30. India encouraged cooperation with, inter alia, the United Nations to strengthen

national laws, and hoped for an early enactment of the Judicial Officers Bill 2014. India

expressed appreciation for the emphasis on women empowerment and the measures taken

to address gender-based violence.

31. Indonesia noted with appreciation that the Gambia has met the Millennium

Development Goals on free primary school enrolment, and the adoption of the Domestic

Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. It also welcomed the steps being taken to

establish a national human rights institution based on the Paris Principles.

32. Ireland encouraged the Gambia to issue a standing invitation to all special

procedures and to ensure that, once established, the national human rights institution will be

in full compliance with the Paris Principles. It urged the Gambia to reinstate a moratorium

on the death penalty. Ireland expressed concern regarding reports of arrests, arbitrary

detention, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders, and noted that the child

mortality rate remained high.

33. Italy noted minor progress in the areas concerning women’s rights, legislation on

sexual orientation and respect for freedom of expression, since the first review. It also

expressed concern about reports of threats against and arrests of journalists. It regretted the

resumption of executions in 2012.

34. Kuwait noted the progress achieved in school enrolment, the health sector, gender

equality and children’s rights. It commended the adoption of the National Health Policy

(2012-2020) and the Domestic Violence Act. It welcomed the ratification of CRPD and

OP-CRPD.

35. Libya noted the progress in implementing recommendations and the ratification of

treaties. It noted progress achieved in education, particularly the building of schools and

early childhood development centres, which had led to a marked increase in enrolment at

different levels of education.

36. Malaysia welcomed the enactment of the Women’s Act, the Domestic Violence Act

and the Sexual Offences Act, and the adoption of the National Gender and Women

Empowerment Policy. It noted that significant progress had been made in education, health,

poverty eradication and children’s rights.

37. Maldives noted the challenges of the Gambia and the key priority areas. It welcomed

the enactment of the Gender Violence Act and encouraged further legal reforms aimed at

eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, girls and persons with disabilities.

Equality of opportunity in the social and economic spheres should be guaranteed for all,

regardless of gender or disabilities.

38. Mali welcomed the creation of the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons,

the adoption of the National Action Plan against Gender-Based Violence, free maternal and

antenatal health care, and the adoption of the Programme for Accelerated Growth and

Employment.

39. Mauritania welcomed the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual

Offences Act, and the significant progress made in free primary school enrolment and in

gender parity. It firmly believed that the authorities were determined to create an

environment conducive to press freedom and freedom of information. It encouraged

OHCHR to provide technical support to the Gambia.

40. Mexico welcomed the adoption of the Programme for Accelerated Growth and

Employment. It noted the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences

Act and hoped that priority would be given to their implementation. It regretted that the

moratorium on the death penalty had been breached in recent years.

41. Montenegro enquired about the main obstacles impeding the submission of overdue

periodic reports and encouraged the Gambia to improve its cooperation with OHCHR and

its human rights mechanisms. It regretted that the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual

Offences Act did not prohibit FGM.

42. Morocco noted the steps taken to promote gender parity and the empowerment of

women and to eradicate gender-based violence. It welcomed the establishment of child

rights and protection units in the police force and the armed forces. It also welcomed the

steps taken to reform judicial institutions.

43. The Netherlands remained concerned with the human rights situation and lack of

progress and noted that persecution and intimidation of human rights defenders and

journalists continued to be widespread. It urged that their safety and freedom to carry out

their work be guaranteed. It was concerned that amended section 144a of the Criminal Code

severely restricted the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex (LGBTI) persons.

44. Nicaragua commended the action taken to provide the education system with the

resources required to ensure that the right to education was enjoyed by all. It trusted that the

Vision 2020 strategy would serve as a key tool for overcoming the lack of resources and

eradicating poverty.

45. The Niger commended the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on

free primary school enrolment, the adoption of the National Health Policy, the creation of

the National Agency for Legal Aid to facilitate access to justice for vulnerable persons, and

the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act.

46. The Philippines noted that available human and material resources were insufficient

to implement anti-trafficking programmes. With a view to eradicating poverty, it

encouraged the Gambia to examine opportunities for accessing modern agricultural

technology and to seek the support of all sectors of society in ensuring food security.

47. Portugal welcomed the steps taken towards the creation of a national human rights

institution. It expressed deep concern about the number of executions that had taken place

in 2012, and noted that a de facto moratorium on the death penalty had been reinstated in

2013. It requested further information on measures envisaged to address school drop-out

rates, especially for girls.

48. Rwanda commended the Gambia for progress made in poverty reduction, ensuring

equitable access to education, improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality. It

also commended the action to reform the judiciary, improve access to justice, prevent

FGM, and combat sexual and gender-based violence.

49. Senegal encouraged the Gambia to pursue its efforts to reform the justice system and

enhance its independence. Greater attention should be paid to the right to life and security

of persons. Persons in conflict with the law, especially those sentenced to death, should

have access to all avenues of appeal.

50. Sierra Leone commended the Gambia for progress made in the social and economic

spheres, the legislation on sexual and gender-based violence and the reinforcement of the

National Plan of Action against the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children. It urged the

Gambia to intensify its efforts to establish a national human rights institution and a

protective mechanism for refugees, and to promote freedom of expression, association and

peaceful assembly.

51. Singapore took positive note of efforts to improve access to education and the

achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on gender parity in primary and lower

secondary schools, with upper secondary school figures on track. It noted efforts by the

National AIDS Council and Secretariat to combat HIV/AIDS and the relatively low

prevalence among adults.

52. Slovakia noted that the conditions in prisons remained unsatisfactory and requested

more information on the situation. It shared the concerns of the Special Rapporteurs on

freedom of expression and on human rights defenders.

53. Slovenia commended the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on

the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(OP-CRC-SC). It requested information about the measures taken to prohibit violence

against children in all settings, and the steps taken to implement legislative and other

measures to combat violence against women. It expressed concern about reported violations

of the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

54. South Africa commended the Gambia for the marked improvements registered in all

spheres of national development, particularly in the achievement of the Millennium

Development Goals on universal primary education and gender parity. It welcomed the

declaration regarding free education at upper basic school level and for leading the way on

sustainable energy.

55. South Sudan welcomed improved enrolment and the achievement of the Millennium

Development Goals on free primary education and gender parity. Noting the challenges

faced, it urged the Gambia to continue efforts regarding FGM. It welcomed the ratification

of CRPD and OP-CRPD and measures in favour of persons with disabilities.

56. Spain recognized efforts to improve human rights, especially the ratification of

CRPD. It expressed concern over regressive action regarding the moratorium on the death

penalty, criminalization of consensual same-sex relations, torture allegations and national

legislation restricting freedom of expression. It welcomed national legislation to protect

women’s rights.

57. The Sudan commended the Gambia’s positive engagement with the UPR process

and was encouraged by the information provided since the first cycle. It welcomed the

ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), CRPD and OP-CRPD, as

well as the adoption of the National Gender and Women Advancement Policy 2010-2020.

58. Sweden expressed concern about reports of violence against journalists, human

rights defenders and others exercising their right to freedom of expression, and about the

proposed amendment to the Criminal Code Act 2014, as it would result in discrimination

based on a person’s real or perceived sexual orientation.

59. Thailand commended the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on

primary school enrolment, child nutrition and the fight against malaria. It expressed support

for efforts to improve legislation on the rights of women and children and noted efforts to

establish a national human rights institution in cooperation with OHCHR, and offered

assistance in that respect.

60. Togo recognized efforts made under the National Education Policy 2004-2014 to

improve enrolment at all levels, gender parity, free primary education provision,

infrastructure and capacity-building. It welcomed increased financing for social protection

programmes, including provision for children, women, the elderly and persons with

disabilities.

61. Tunisia noted progress made regarding violence against women and children, and

education. It noted the creation of a national treaty body reporting group and encouraged

the issuance of a standing invitation to special procedures. It acknowledged requests for

technical assistance and called on OHCHR and the international community to respond.

62. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized progress

made regarding the rights of women and children rights, education, and the national human

rights institution, which should comply with the Paris Principles. It encouraged action on

FGM and expressed concern regarding freedom of expression and discrimination against

LGBTI persons.

63. The United States of America expressed dismay at the human rights situation. It was

concerned about interference with electoral processes and the treatment of critics, including

restrictions on freedom of speech, reports of torture, arrest, detention and enforced

disappearances. It expressed concern about discrimination against LGBTI persons, human

trafficking, forced child marriage, child prostitution and child labour.

64. Uruguay welcomed the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on free

primary education and gender parity; the ratification of CRPD and OP-CRPD; and progress

in national legislation regarding gender-based violence, urging the implementation of the

latter. It called for further measures to improve detention conditions and prison

overcrowding in line with international standards.

65. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended the achievement of the

Millennium Development Goals on free primary education and gender parity; the provision

of free maternal and family planning services; and the increased primary and secondary

health-care provision, noting the reduced mortality rate due to immunization programmes.

It welcomed the ratification of CRPD and OP-CRPD.

66. Algeria noted the Government’s commitment to improving human rights, as

demonstrated by the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on free primary

education and gender parity, and the adoption of a national development strategy. It

encouraged the Gambia to continue efforts regarding maternal health, infant mortality,

children’s rights, justice, human trafficking and FGM.

67. Angola welcomed efforts to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms

were respected. It commended the increased enrolment in upper secondary education,

particularly among girls, and the legal reforms to provide two additional Children’s Courts.

It welcomed the progress made in women’s rights, including legislation to combat sexual

violence.

68. Argentina recognized efforts to establish a national human rights institution and

encouraged the Gambia to ensure that the institution was fully operational and compliant

with the Paris Principles. It stated that greater cooperation with treaty bodies would help the

Gambia make progress regarding human rights.

69. Australia welcomed national legislation to combat gender-based violence and looked

forward to the rigorous enforcement of this legislation. It expressed concern over

widespread discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity;

restrictions on media freedom; and reports of torture and arbitrary detention.

70. Azerbaijan welcomed the adoption of national policies to promote health; the

advancement of women; advocacy for persons with disabilities; and to prevent domestic

violence. It commended the ratification of CRPD and OP-CRPD and the establishment of

national bodies to improve social protection and combat human trafficking.

71. Bangladesh commended the Gambia for the legislative measures taken to combat

violence against women and children. It noted capacity-building efforts among educators

and nurses, and the establishment of educational institutions. It commended the Gambia for

the clarifications concerning its justice system, particularly in relation to serious crimes.

72. Botswana commended the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals on

primary school enrolment and gender parity in education. It considered that the Domestic

Violence Act and the National Health Policy demonstrated commitment to human rights. It

was concerned about child marriage and the practice of FGM.

73. Brazil appreciated progress in school enrolment, including the Education for All

initiative, and legislation on domestic violence and sexual offences. However, it was

concerned about legislation punishing “aggravated homosexuality” with life imprisonment,

as well as the number of executions carried out following a 27-year moratorium on capital

punishment.

74. Burkina Faso noted the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals on

primary school enrolment and progress in combating gender-based violence, and welcomed

the National Gender and Women Advancement Policy. It called for continued action to

eliminate FGM and the international community to offer adequate support to improve the

human rights situation.

75. Canada asked how its recommendation to allow independent organizations access to

detention centres and diplomatic access to arrested foreigners had been implemented. It

urged the President not to make discriminatory remarks about LGBTI persons; welcomed

action on gender-based violence; and expressed concern about the independence of the

judiciary.

76. The Central African Republic welcomed efforts to promote human rights, notably

free primary school education, legislation addressing domestic violence and sexual offences

and the National Plan of Action to Accelerate the Abandonment of FGM. It urged the

international community to provide the Gambian Government with financial and technical

assistance.

77. Chad noted the need for support mentioned in the national report, and asked whether

the financial and technical assistance required had been assessed and whether steps had

been taken to obtain such assistance from development partners. It requested the

international community to provide the necessary assistance.

78. Chile noted the Education for All initiative, the Domestic Violence Act and the

National Health Policy 2012-2020, and hoped that the Gambia would continue to advance

in that manner. It encouraged the Gambia to accelerate the ratification of international

instruments, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment of Punishment (CAT), the Optional Protocol to CAT and the Second

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the

abolition of the death penalty (ICCPR-OP 2).

79. China highlighted universal education and increased school enrolment rates,

particularly for girls. Legislative and other measures had strengthened the protection of

vulnerable groups, including women, children and persons with disabilities. However, as a

developing country, many challenges remained. The international community should

provide technical and financial assistance.

80. The Congo welcomed free primary education, improved school enrolment rates,

particularly for girls, and gender parity in education. It noted the action to address maternal

and infant health, the rights of children, vulnerable persons and persons with a disability,

the criminal justice system and trafficking in persons.

81. Costa Rica encouraged effective implementation of the strengthened institutional

framework and sufficient resources for the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons.

It was concerned about the Information and Communication Act and called for

international cooperation and technical assistance to ensure that norms complied with

international obligations.

82. Cuba noted the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals on education. It

highlighted efforts to tackle the rights of persons with disabilities, prison conditions and

trafficking in persons. It urged developed countries, in particular, to boost cooperation and

financial assistance with regard to the areas mentioned in the national report.

83. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed the policies on women and

children, notably on children’s education and citizenship and social status of women

through work on social protection. It noted that the justice policy had led to improvements

to the geographic spread of tribunals and action on access to justice.

84. Denmark noted that, despite acceding to CAT in 1985, the Gambia had not taken

steps towards ratifying that Convention. It highlighted the CAT Initiative, launched in

2014, which targeted the universal ratification and implementation of the Convention,

which might be useful in taking the matter forward.

85. Djibouti welcomed the delegation of the Gambia and congratulated it on its national

report. It noted with satisfaction the efforts made to strengthen human rights protection,

particularly in the sphere of national education, and wished the Gambia success in its

objective of the full realization of human rights.

86. Egypt appreciated the steps taken to empower women through the National Gender

and Women Advancement Policy, and the legislation to protect the rights of children. It

commended the measures taken to reduce poverty and noted action to combat trafficking in

persons, ensure access to justice and protect persons in vulnerable situations.

87. Ethiopia commended the identification of priority areas, including access to justice,

gender-based violence, maternal and infant mortality, the rights of children and FGM. It

noted the programmes to reduce poverty and address the root causes of unemployment. It

considered the efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation in tourism to be

encouraging.

88. France asked how decisions by ECOWAS concerning torture, extrajudicial

executions and disappearances, and human rights resolutions adopted by the African

Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights were being heeded. It also asked what stage

the bill to establish a national human rights institution had reached, and what were its

planned arrangements?

89. Gabon welcomed cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and

efforts to implement the recommendations from the first cycle of the UPR. It appreciated

measures to build schools in order to promote and protect the right of all Gambians to

education. It called on the international community to offer its assistance to the Gambia.

90. Germany urged improved cooperation with international and regional human rights

systems and the implementation of recommendations outstanding from the first cycle of the

UPR. It expressed concern at amendments to the Information and Communication Act

restricting freedom of expression and access to information. It called on the Government to

protect those rights.

91. Ghana acknowledged gains in access to education, notably the building of more

schools and increased enrolment levels, particularly for girls. It noted the Domestic

Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act, which provide protection for victims of

domestic violence and criminalized all forms of sexual assault, exploitation and harassment.

92. Referring to the ratification of conventions, the delegation of the Gambia stated that

the National Assembly had accepted the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and its Optional Protocol, and that they were in the

process of ratification.

93. Responding to questions about the refugee issue, the delegation stated that a Refugee

Commission had been established and was fully funded by the Government. Moreover, it

stated that not only were refugee children in the Gambia given access to education, but also,

through a memorandum of understanding signed between the Office of the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ministry of Health, refugees, asylum

seekers, persons of concern and their families were provided with medical care in all health

facilities.

94. Turning to the detention issue, the delegation confirmed that diplomatic missions

were both allowed and encouraged to access their citizens in detention. Moreover, the

delegation explained that, according to the Constitution, any person should not be detained

beyond 72 hours without being brought before a court.

95. Regarding concern expressed about two American citizens who had allegedly

disappeared in the Gambia, the delegation stressed that, essentially, they were also of

Gambian nationality; it underlined the Government’s full commitment to and serious

consideration of the progress of the investigation, which is being carried out by a task force

comprised of officers from different security forces, who have visited all the border points

and also gone to Guinea-Bissau for further information.

96. Regarding conditions of detention, the delegation stated that the Mile Two Central

Prison had been rehabilitated recently. Improvements include installation of a new female

wing in the New Jeshwang prison; establishment of a visiting committee aimed at checking

the rights of prisoners; 24-hour availability of a medical doctor; and introduction of a

balanced diet.

97. On the investigation into the cases of Chief Ebrima Manneh and Deyda Hydara, the

delegation noted that the ECOWAS Court had not made any pronouncement on extra-

judicial killings, torture or forced disappearances. The delegation stated that there had been

a decision in the Deyda Hydara case, in which the investigation by the Gambia was

questioned. The delegation stated that the Gambia had invited the United Nations to open

investigations into the alleged disappearances of Chief Ebrima Manneh and Deyda Hydara

and that it would welcome a United Nations investigation team.

98. The delegation noted the calls for legislation to eliminate FGM. It highlighted that,

given the strong cultural backgrounds and traditional practices, the authorities decided to

carry out public awareness campaigns to educate people on the effects of FGM/C.

99. Regarding the national human rights institution, the delegation stated that the

legislation had been drafted and was in the process of consultation with stakeholders. It

added that the institution would be financially independent and that the Gambia was

working with the OHCHR to ensure that it was in compliance with the Paris Principles.

100. On trafficking in persons, the delegation stated that the National Agency for

Trafficking in Persons had been conducting several sensitization workshops throughout the

country and several investigations had been carried out, but no actual prosecutions so far.

101. Regarding the death penalty, the delegation recalled that the moratorium had been

lifted in 2012 due to a sharp rise in heinous crimes being committed. Since then, the

moratorium has been reinstated. The delegation added that the Constitution provided for the

death penalty in the most exceptional cases.

102. The delegation stated that legislation ensured the freedom of expression, but also

safeguarded the country, by criminal punishment, from excessive publication of false

information usually aimed at destabilizing the country or threatening national security.

103. With regard to child mortality, the delegation stated that the Gambia was advanced

in terms of access to health facilities and sanitation to combat child mortality. It added that

every district had a health centre, with referral hospitals.

104. Regarding education, the delegation emphasized the improvement in school

infrastructure, which had resulted in increased enrolment, as well as the ongoing policy to

provide free education to both boys and girls at the primary level, and which is being

extended to the secondary level. The delegation noted that most students at university were