The Human Rights Defenders Network – The Gambia (HRDN The Gambia) has been formed with the support of the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and facilitated by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS). This new national platform aims to bring together human rights defenders through an independent, inclusive, and non-profit organization. The network will provide a unified voice for defenders who work to document abuses, support victims, investigate matters of public interest, speak against discrimination and corruption, and help communities claim their rights.
Human rights defenders in Gambia, like their counterparts globally, often face intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, online abuse, and other reprisals for their work, particularly those operating in rural communities or on sensitive issues. The HRDN The Gambia has been established to address these challenges through solidarity and practical support. The network's constitution outlines plans to coordinate defenders across the country, strengthen their skills, monitor violations, and advocate for laws and practices that protect civic space.
The HRDN The Gambia is committed to upholding the Gambian Constitution and African and international human rights standards. The network's stated values include independence, non-violence, confidentiality, and accountability. With a diverse executive membership, the network reflects a commitment to broad participation. Madi Jobarteh serves as Chairperson, Aji Isatou Nyan as Vice Chairperson, Isatou Jawara as Treasurer, and Yankuba Keita as Coordinator.
The executive membership of HRDN The Gambia also includes representatives from various sectors, such as Omar Sanyang as Youth Representative, Oumie Jagne as Women Representative, Fatoumatta Jallow as Persons with Disabilities Representative, and Aji Fatou Bah as Children Representative. This diverse representation ensures that the network is inclusive and representative of the various groups of human rights defenders in the country.
The formation of HRDN The Gambia creates an opportunity for human rights defenders to turn shared concern into coordinated action. The network will be officially launched on December 10, 2026, coinciding with International Human Rights Day. Following the launch, the network will engage in a series of introductory meetings with various stakeholders and undertake media and social media campaigns to popularize its work.
The HRDN The Gambia envisions a just, democratic, and inclusive Gambia where human rights defenders can operate freely and safely, and everyone enjoys dignity, equality, and justice. To achieve this vision, the network will provide rapid response, referrals, and assistance to defenders who are at risk. By working together, human rights defenders in Gambia can more effectively promote and protect human rights in the country.
The establishment of HRDN The Gambia is a significant development in the country's human rights landscape. With its launch, the network is expected to play a crucial role in supporting and protecting human rights defenders, who are essential for promoting and protecting human rights in Gambia.
Key points
- The Human Rights Defenders Network – The Gambia has been established to provide support and protection to human rights defenders in the country.
- The network will be officially launched on December 10, 2026, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.
- The HRDN The Gambia envisions a just, democratic, and inclusive Gambia where human rights defenders can operate freely and safely.
