The five member panel of the Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have been urged to be fair and objective when handling complaints from the public.

Adama Barrow, the president of The Gambia, made the plea on Thursday while officially swearing in the members in a ceremony at State House.

“My government is committed to rendering the necessary assistance to the commission for the realisation of its objectives.

“Apart from this financial commitment, I also pledge the moral support of my government to safeguard the independence and autonomy of the commission for the execution of its mandate. I am confident that you will live up to expectations in reshaping the human rights landscape of The Gambia from now on. ”  

President Barrow added: “the commission is not a substitute for the court system, but its effectiveness is expected to have far reaching consequences on the lives of ordinary Gambians by creating an avenue to provide redress for issues affecting their rights.”

The attorney general and minister of Justice Abubacarr Tambadou said: “Today, we laid yet another foundation for fundamental pillar of governance. We are on our way to reclaiming our rightful place as a global leader in human rights and as the human rights capital of Africa.”

Respect for human right and fundamental freedom, Tambadou said, remain a corner stone of the governance architecture, adding that no efforts will be spared to achieve their goals.

“Our progress in this regard is irreversible. For the first time in the history of our country, we establish a NHRC in full compliance with the Paris principles of autonomy and independence.” 

Emmanuel Daniel Joof, chairman of the commission, said by establishing the NHRC  the Barrow government has taken great strides towards regaining the lost track record of a country that was one time known for being a bastion of human rights.

Joof added that as many African countries were under dictatorial and autocratic rule in the 1970s and 1980s; and where enforced disappearance, torture, political repression and extrajudicial killings were a common occurrence in the continent, The Gambia despite its small size and economic challenges was regarded by many as a country where rule of law and respect for human rights prevailed.

“Unfortunately, 22 years of repressive rule relegated The Gambia to a pariah state where human rights and the rule of law were sent to the doldrums and the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people which are incidentally enshrined in our own 1997 Constitution at Chapter Four were flouted by the executive and development.”

The National Human Rights Commission comprised of Emmanuel Daniel Joof as chairperson, Jainaba Jum, as vice chairperson, Imam Baba Leigh, Njundu Drammeh and Dr. Agnes Campbell as members respectively.