National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act

On 13 December 2017, the National Assembly passed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act. The President assented to it on 13 January 2018. The NHRC Act establishes a Commission for the promotion and protection of human rights in The Gambia. The Commission shall consist of five people ( including at least two women):

• Chairperson who must be a legal practitioner of not less than ten years post-call experience and has an additional at least five years of experience in promotion or protection of human rights in any capacity;

• A vice-chairperson who has acquired not less than five years experise in his or her field; and 

• three other members.

These five commissioners, all of whom are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the selection panel made of representative from the Association of Non-Governmental organisation (TANGO), the Gambia Bar Association (GBA), the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, the National Youth Council (NYC), the Female Lawyers' Association of The Gambia (FLAG), the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and a government representative (who is not entitled to vote). The panel shall also comprised of at least two women.

The NHRC is authorised to investigate and consider complaints of human rights violations in The Gambia, including violations by private persons and entities.

Download the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017.