The Chief Justice of The Gambia, His Lordship Edi M.O. Faal, has met the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Dr Morris Tidball-Binz, as part of ongoing engagement to strengthen justice, accountability and the rule of law.

The meeting took place during a courtesy call by Dr Tidball-Binz, a forensic pathologist, who was accompanied by Yasmine Ashraf, a Human Rights Officer from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The visit forms part of the Special Rapporteur’s engagements with key government institutions, aimed at promoting dialogue with national authorities and supporting efforts to pursue justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.

The discussions also provided an opportunity to consider technical assistance, capacity-building and practical recommendations, including possible legal reforms relating to the death penalty.

Chief Justice Faal thanked the Special Rapporteur for the visit and for the support provided to the government under his mandate.

He described the discussions as fruitful and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s legal institutions.

The engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between The Gambia’s judicial institutions and international human rights mechanisms in addressing justice-related concerns and strengthening accountability.

The Judiciary of The Gambia reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to advance the rule of law, promote accountability and maintain public confidence in the justice system.

By Adama Makasuba