The Effects of Corruption on the Enjoyment of Human Rights in The Gambia.
Over fifty participants, including representatives from Civil Society Organisations, the media, Government institutions and National Assembly, gathered at Ocean Bay Hotel for a one-day conference, held on the 12th December 2023, to discuss the links and intersectionality between corruption and human rights, and the effects of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights in The Gambia.
The Conference created an understanding of the impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights, strengthened the political will for the enactment of the Anti–Corruption Bill 2019, identified strategies through which the public can hold the Government accountable for its efforts to effectively tackle corruption and urged for effective and concerted stakeholder coordination in addressing corruption in The Gambia.
Speaking at the opening of the event, the Vice Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Jainaba Johm, reflected on the Gambia’s ranking on Transparency International 2022 Corruption Perception Index where The Gambia scored 34% and was ranked 110 out of 180 countries, making it one of the many corrupt countries in the world.
According to Madam Johm, NHRC organised this convergence to not only raise awareness on the adverse effects of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights in the country but to also work with the Government to vigorously fight against corruption, strengthen institutions and laws and ensure The Gambia’s ranking in future Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index is significantly improved.
“The Gambia cannot run away from its commitments under international human rights law. It has ratified the UN Convention against Corruption in 2003 and the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption in 2009. These two Conventions have automatically placed an obligation on The Gambia to put in place systems and laws to vigorously fight against corruption”, said Mrs. Johm.
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alieu Jallow commended NHRC for organizing such a conference on the impact of corruption on human rights. He acknowledged the crucial role the NHRC is playing in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country and also recognized that corruption denies the enjoyment of human rights and undermines the principles of justice, equality and accountability.
According to Mr. Jallow, The Gambia Government has taken significant steps in combating corruption, including the enactment of legislation to combat corruption and enhance transparency.
“The Anti-Corruption Act of 2012 provides a comprehensive and legal framework to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption cases. The Anti-Corruption Bill 2019 that is before the National Assembly, is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to fight against corruption,” asserted Mr. Jallow.
Honourable Kebba Lang Fofana, the keynote speaker and a member of the National Assembly Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC), said that the National Assembly recognises the fact that the fight against corruption is the single most important battle that should be persistent. He dilated on the adverse effects of corruption on the progress and development of a country, and how it deepens poverty and deprives people of wealth, education and the much-needed investments in agriculture and other productive sectors of the economy.
“The fight against corruption requires concerted efforts and must be championed by the Government, the National Assembly, all other institutions, the media and the public. It would also require attitudinal change on the part of every member of the society”, Hon Fofana advised.
There were panel discussions on various topics relating to corruption and human rights. Panelists included Government Officials from the Ministry of Justice and the National Audit Office, human rights activists, Civil Society workers, researchers, anti-corruption advocates, an investigative journalist and a former Auditor General.
The panel discussions focused on the content of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2019, including its weaknesses, strengths and immunity and security of tenure of the Commissioners; the wanton exploitation and unabated depletion of the country’s natural resources by few individuals; impact of corruption on political participation and good governance; permeation of corruption in every facet of society; social acceptance and encouragement of corruption and corrupt practices; and the strategies CSOs should explore to curb corruption and support the strengthening and effective functioning of State institutions.
In his Closing Statement, the Chairperson of NHRC, Mr. Emmanuel Daniel Joof, called for serious re-assessment of our value system and the need for value clarification, especially societal perception, condemnation of and scorn towards individuals who are upright, principled and stand firmly against bribery and corrupt practices in their institutions and in the society.
“There are those who believe that if you are not corrupt, you don’t want success in life. If the value system disappears, it is difficult to get it back,” warned Mr. Joof.
Chairperson Joof stressed the urgent need for concerted national, institutional and individual efforts against corruption, the failure of which could adversely affect the enjoyment of human rights, development, security and peace.
