The Gambian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mrs. Salimatta E.T. Touray, has reaffirmed The Gambia government’s commitment to adhering to human rights and democratic governance, deliberating on progresses made over the past years under the country’s current administration.
Touray made the remarks during a high-level meeting that took place on 14th May 2026 in with the UK ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom Mission in Geneva, Eleanor Sanders.
The meeting focused on human rights, peace and security, democratic governance, and cooperation between The Gambia and the United Kingdom within continental and international frameworks.
During the discussions, Ambassador Touray outlined The Gambia’s contributions as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) over the past four years, highlighting the country’s role in promoting peace and stability across Africa through conflict prevention efforts, support for democratic governance, respect for human rights, transitional justice initiatives, and Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) programmes.
She further emphasized the country’s active engagement in strengthening continental early warning systems and supporting regional mechanisms designed to monitor and respond to crisis situations. According to her, the country also played a leading role in preventive diplomacy initiatives and championed inclusive policies, particularly advocacy programmes addressing the needs of children affected by armed conflict during its consecutive PSC terms.
On progress made in Gambia over the past years, she briefed the visiting delegation on democratic reforms and governance milestones achieved under the current administration of President Adama Barrow. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining democratic stability and strengthening the rule of law.
Mrs. Touray pointed to ongoing efforts to implement recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, including plans for the establishment of a Special Prosecutor’s Office, a Special Tribunal, and continued constitutional reform processes.On human rights and civil liberties, Ambassador Touray noted that The Gambia has made significant progress in recent years. She informed the delegation about the country’s active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, describing it as a key platform for demonstrating measures undertaken to improve the human rights situation nationwide.
The ambassador also underscored the role of civil society organizations and women’s rights groups in defending the 2015 legal ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which she described as a major achievement in the protection of women and girls.
Highlighting additional reforms, Ambassador Touray referenced advancements in women’s rights, the enactment of the Access to Information Act, and legislative measures aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation.She further stated that The Gambia continues to position itself as a continental hub for human rights, hosting the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is currently in session.
For her part, Ms. Sanders emphasized that human rights are increasingly facing pressure globally and require stronger protection and promotion.
The British delegation also highlighted the importance of closer coordination between the African Union’s human rights agenda and the Peace and Security Council framework.