On 25-27 October 2022, the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) held a Technical Workshop on “Improving implementation of the UN Convention against Torture: Strengthening complaints, investigations and prosecution mechanisms” in Serekunda, The Gambia. Hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Chambers of The Gambia and organised in partnership with REDRESS, the Workshop aimed at building the capacity of 14 Gambian Government representatives from seven agencies, composed of the Ministry of Justice, the High Court, the Gambia Police Force, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Armed Forces, the State Intelligence Services and the Prisons Service, on implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

Torture, with a specific focus on the definition and criminalisation of torture, how to differentiate it from other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as on ways to strengthen complaints, investigation and prosecution mechanisms. It also provided an opportunity to discuss existing good practices and ongoing challenges in The Gambia and to identify the main legislative, institutional and administrative measures needing immediate, medium-term and longer-term action.

At the opening of the Workshop, Hon. Hussein Tomasi, Solicitor General and Secretary of the Gambia highlighted the positive measures undertaken by The Gambia after becoming party to the UN Convention against Torture in 2018, such as the drafting of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Bill, currently pending at the National Assembly, and the creation of a Paris Principles-compliant National Human Rights Commission mandated to receive complaints of human rights violations, including torture. Hon. Solicitor General Mr. Tomasi stated:

I want to assure you that the Government of The Gambia will not relent in its action to ensure that Torture is wiped out in the country and the mind set of every individual.

Hon. Hussein Tomasi, Solicitor General and Legal Secretary of The Gambia

Opening remarks delivered via pre-recorded message by CTI Core State Ambassador H.E. Emmanuel Kwame Asiedu Antwi, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, mentioned that:

Building a strong anti-torture framework is a key component of having a domestic environment that is human rights compliant and conducive to fostering the fair administration of justice. Among the main building blocks of a solid anti-torture legal and institutional framework is the establishment of effective complaints and investigation mechanisms.

H.E Ambassador Emmanuel Kwame Asiedu Antwi, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva

The Workshop featured a mix of knowledge-based sessions with practical case study scenarios on complaints, investigations and prosecutions of torture, together with brainstorming exercises in break-out groups and interactive discussions with participating experts and the organisers. Capacity-building and sensitization of public officials across relevant agencies on torture prevention and response was seen as one of the key priorities, as well as of victims and the broader public in relation to issues such as victims’ rights, including their right to bring complaints, or to be informed of their own rights when brought into police custody and in detention.

The three-day Workshop was brought to a close by Mr. Gibril Lowe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior of The Gambia, who delivered remarks on behalf of Hon. Seyaka Sonko, Minister of Interior of The Gambia. In his closing remarks, he highlighted:

This workshop is timely. It will increase the capacity of security services to ensure their adherence to human rights norms while carrying out their mandates. This in turn would help rebuild public confidence in these important institutions essential to maintaining the security and order of the country. Forums such as these are crucial to complement government efforts and assist it to achieve its target.

Mr. Gibril Lowe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior of The Gambia