From November 13 to 15, 2023, CRIMJUST conducted a stakeholder meeting on the protection of human rights during the investigation and prosecution of cross-border crimes in The Gambia, signalling an essential phase in advancing institutional integrity and human rights principles in the fight against illicit trafficking.
During the inaugural ceremony emphasis was placed on the collaboration and dedication of multiple entities towards fortifying human rights in the fight against organised crime. The Deputy Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in The Gambia highlighted the joint efforts of UNODC and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, underscoring the UN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and Sustainable Development Goal 16. Stressing the 75th anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration, the Deputy Coordinator urged all stakeholders, including civil society, to integrate human rights principles into the investigation and prosecution of organised crime cases. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Ambassador to The Gambia expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts, affirming the EU’s commitment to combat drug trafficking and related organised crime alongside UNODC and CRIMJUST beneficiaries. Acknowledging the launch of CRIMJUST III in The Gambia as contributing to the EU’s anti-drug trafficking roadmap, the Ambassador highlighted shared goals in this collective endeavour.
The event comprised of presentations on international legal frameworks for combating organised crime, insights into organised crime structures, and discussions on human rights frameworks at both international and national levels concerning the fight against transnational organised crime. Additionally, a symbolic outdoor exercise known as the “Power Walk” depicted various roles within organised crime contexts, emphasising the importance of human rights-based approaches to empower and hold accountable those involved. The culmination of these discussions and exercises was a strategic roadmap, to address deficiencies in the legal and institutional frameworks. Notable actions in the roadmap encompass leveraging the work of human rights units, disseminating key UN instruments, revising domestic legislation to align with international standards, and reinforcing coordination among key stakeholders to combat drug trafficking and protect the rights of those accused and victims. In essence, CRIMJUST’s manifests as a catalyst for change in The Gambia’s fight against organised crime. Its strategic interventions, aligned with the GIFP’s overarching objectives, signify a resolute commitment to fortify The Gambia’s capabilities while ensuring a rights-centred approach in combating transnational organised crime.
