By Adama Nyang
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently organized a stakeholder conference on the impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights.
The conference enabled participants to discuss the intersections between
corruption and human rights and the effects of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights in The Gambia.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Jainaba Johm the NHRC Vice Chairperson said last year, the Gambia was ranked 110 out of 180 countries by Transparency International’s corruption perception index. The Gambia was given a score of 34%, inanother words, they listed the Gambia to be among the most corrupt countries in the world.
‘’With that NHRC deem it necessary as a human rights body to rise up and work with the Gambia government and make sure we come out of this list. NHRC started working towards getting money bringing in stakeholders like The Ministry of Justice, The National Assembly who are key partners in promoting and protecting human rights and always send reports to them and other partners like NGO, CSOs embassies EU, and the French to come up with a conference. They will all come up with strong recommendations that will help the government combat and eradicate corruption in the Gambia,’’ she said.
Ms. Johm continues by quoting from the former UN Secretary General Banky moon, who said that “corruption can even kill” and highlighted common forms of corruption that can lead to human rights violation, or can even kill.
Mr. Alieu Jallow, the Curator who represented the Attorney General and Minister of Justice revealed that the government has enacted legislations to combat corruption and enhance, transparency. He cited examples like the Anti-corruption Act of 2012 provided a comprehensive and legal framework to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption cases. Adding that there is Corruption Bill of 2019which is before the National Assembly, this, he says is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to fight against corruption.
‘’The government has implemented the promotion of transparency and accountability in public institutions. This includes conducting regular audits of public accounts and publishing findings to show transparency,’’ Mr. Jallow added.
The NHRC was established by the NHRC Act 2017, giving The Gambia its first ever National Human Rights Commission with a mandate to promote and protect human rights.
One of its core functions is to investigate a violation of any human rights, at its own initiative, or through 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.