A/HRC/28/6
delegation explained that, according to the Constitution, any person should not be detained
beyond 72 hours without being brought before a court.
95.
Regarding concern expressed about two American citizens who had allegedly
disappeared in the Gambia, the delegation stressed that, essentially, they were also of
Gambian nationality; it underlined the Government’s full commitment to and serious
consideration of the progress of the investigation, which is being carried out by a task force
comprised of officers from different security forces, who have visited all the border points
and also gone to Guinea-Bissau for further information.
96.
Regarding conditions of detention, the delegation stated that the Mile Two Central
Prison had been rehabilitated recently. Improvements include installation of a new female
wing in the New Jeshwang prison; establishment of a visiting committee aimed at checking
the rights of prisoners; 24-hour availability of a medical doctor; and introduction of a
balanced diet.
97.
On the investigation into the cases of Chief Ebrima Manneh and Deyda Hydara, the
delegation noted that the ECOWAS Court had not made any pronouncement on extrajudicial killings, torture or forced disappearances. The delegation stated that there had been
a decision in the Deyda Hydara case, in which the investigation by the Gambia was
questioned. The delegation stated that the Gambia had invited the United Nations to open
investigations into the alleged disappearances of Chief Ebrima Manneh and Deyda Hydara
and that it would welcome a United Nations investigation team.
98.
The delegation noted the calls for legislation to eliminate FGM. It highlighted that,
given the strong cultural backgrounds and traditional practices, the authorities decided to
carry out public awareness campaigns to educate people on the effects of FGM/C.
99.
Regarding the national human rights institution, the delegation stated that the
legislation had been drafted and was in the process of consultation with stakeholders. It
added that the institution would be financially independent and that the Gambia was
working with the OHCHR to ensure that it was in compliance with the Paris Principles.
100. On trafficking in persons, the delegation stated that the National Agency for
Trafficking in Persons had been conducting several sensitization workshops throughout the
country and several investigations had been carried out, but no actual prosecutions so far.
101. Regarding the death penalty, the delegation recalled that the moratorium had been
lifted in 2012 due to a sharp rise in heinous crimes being committed. Since then, the
moratorium has been reinstated. The delegation added that the Constitution provided for the
death penalty in the most exceptional cases.
102. The delegation stated that legislation ensured the freedom of expression, but also
safeguarded the country, by criminal punishment, from excessive publication of false
information usually aimed at destabilizing the country or threatening national security.
103. With regard to child mortality, the delegation stated that the Gambia was advanced
in terms of access to health facilities and sanitation to combat child mortality. It added that
every district had a health centre, with referral hospitals.
104. Regarding education, the delegation emphasized the improvement in school
infrastructure, which had resulted in increased enrolment, as well as the ongoing policy to
provide free education to both boys and girls at the primary level, and which is being
extended to the secondary level. The delegation noted that most students at university were
sponsored by the Government.
105. The delegation welcomed the visit by the Special Rapporteurs of the Human Rights
Council to the Gambia during the first week of November. On the ratification of
conventions and the domestication of ratified conventions, the delegation stated that the
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