President Barrow has reaffirmed his and Government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding human and peoples’ rights in The Gambia. He was speaking today at the state house during a meeting with the Deputy Chairperson for the African Union Commission, H.E Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa.  

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa was at the statehouse to pay a courtesy visit on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat on the Occasion of the opening of the Session of the African Commission for Peoples’ Rights which took place today, also marking the 35 years of the existence of the Commission. 

Speaking to the media after her meeting with the President, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa said her delegation witnessed the foundation stone laying as well as signed the title deed for the headquarters of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which she describes as ‘‘a gesture of The Gambia as a host of the African Commission to give it its permanent headquarters’’. The Deputy Chairperson said, President Barrow confirmed his and his government's commitment to making sure that the necessary resources are mobilised to deliver on the headquarters.

She expressed appreciation and admiration of the Commission to The Gambia government for the hospitality, support, and commitment to the commission and its programmes throughout the past decades of its existence in the country. 

Exalting the Gambia’s human rights record and transitional justice since 2017, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa noted that it serves as a model for the continent and the world at large saying ‘‘The Gambia has a record on defending and protecting human and people's rights right from the beginning. All those years more than 40 years and we are all so proud of its achievements’’. 
Finally, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa the foundation stone laying for the headquarters of the Human Rights Commission is a milestone reinforcing the need to continue to work together and to seek guidance from President Barrow on the path of ensuring financial sustainability and independence on the continent.