The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concern over the growing practice of caste system in certain parts of The Gambia.

The Commission’s call comes after a man was banished from Garawol Village in the Upper River Region (URR) for leading a congregational prayer on Tobaski day.

In a statement signed by the Commission chairman Emmanuel Daniel Joof said: “The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is extremely concerned about the alleged fine, and in lieu banishment, imposed on one Musa Trawally by the Alkalo of Garawol Village in the Upper River Region (URR) for leading a congregational prayer on Tobaski.

“Discriminatory practices and incidences within identified communities in URR have come to the attention of the Commission which it finds abhorrent to the dignity and person of the affected people, who are commonly referred to by the derogatory term “slaves” mostly by those who regard themselves as ‘nobles.”

“The NHRC requests the government to urgently set up a task force comprising of relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Lands and Regional Government, Ministry of Interior, representatives of the Supreme Islamic Council, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and the NHRC to look into the current troubles in the area and to also examine and implement the recommendations proposed by the NHRC to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Huma Rights,” it added.

The Commission says it “condemns in the strongest terms all acts of human rights violations and discrimination against the people affected” and added that “discrimination of any type or nature, including one based on caste, has no place in a civilized society and certainly not in The Gambia where the 1997 Constitution accords every citizen and resident equal rights and protection and a free and dignified life.

“The NHRC reiterates that discrimination and discriminatory practices based on tribe, religion, language or other statuses, are illegal and unacceptable and urges people to treat each other in a dignified, respectable manner which also recognised the humanity of all.

“NHRC equally urges the Government and relevant authorities to take swift and permanent actions to eradicate the caste system and other discriminatory practices which dehumanise people in The Gambia. 

“The NHRC remains committed to the protection of human rights and to a safe and dignified life for all in The Gambia.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba