The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has issued its concluding report on five countries, including Gambia, following their review during the Committee’s latest session. The report includes detailed findings on Gambia’s obligations under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Gambian government to align its national legislation with the provisions of the Convention. However, it also voiced concern over certain gaps in the full implementation of these obligations. The report emphasized the urgent need for Gambia to take immediate steps to ensure its national legislation fully complies with the requirements of the Convention.
The Committee recommended that Gambia criminalize the act of enforced disappearance as an autonomous offense under national law, in addition to recognizing it as a crime against humanity. It also stressed the importance of including penalties in domestic law that reflect the serious nature of the crime, while accounting for both aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
Furthermore, the Committee urged Gambian authorities to strengthen mechanisms for locating forcibly disappeared persons and to ensure swift and thorough investigations into all reported cases of enforced disappearance. The report particularly highlighted the importance of investigating incidents that occurred in the period following the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The Committee emphasized the necessity of involving the families of victims and their representatives in search and investigation processes, and ensuring their right to access full information about ongoing procedures. It also recommended the establishment of effective mechanisms to provide remedies and appropriate compensation to those affected by such violations.
