A/HRC/43/6
be struck between fostering social cohesion and reconciliation through justice, and
rebuilding a strong and robust democratic foundation anchored in respect for the rule of law
and human rights.
9.
The Government had resolved to improve the country’s constitutional, legal and
institutional framework in various governance areas in order to consolidate democracy and
align the entire governance architecture with international justice and human rights
standards. The priority was to put in place a new and resilient architecture to uphold the
highest standards of human rights, justice and rule of law. This required embarking on an
ambitious and comprehensive transitional justice process.
10.
The Government stood firm in its conviction that without good governance there
could not be durable peace or economic development. Good governance provided a
conducive and permissive political, social and economic environment that allowed the
Government to put in place policies, programmes and strategies that upheld human rights
and justice, spurred economic growth and enabled the provision of basic services, while
allowing the expression of individual creativity for private wealth creation. Good
governance was therefore the first priority area in the national development plan for 2018–
2021.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
11.
During the interactive dialogue, 86 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
12.
The Holy See expressed appreciation for the action taken to abolish the death
penalty and stated that availability and quality of health services and education would
reduce inequality.
13.
Honduras congratulated the Gambia for progress made in establishing an
interministerial team for the preparation of reports and for follow-up to the review.
14.
Iceland welcomed the significant advances the Government had made since taking
office, including the steps taken to abolish the death penalty, and looked forward to that
abolition.
15.
India encouraged the Gambia to continue its cooperation with the United Nations
and other organizations to further strengthen its laws and align them with international
human rights law.
16.
Indonesia expressed appreciation for the progress made since the previous review,
and noted the introduction of the School Improvement Grant and the ratification of the
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of Their Families.
17.
The Islamic Republic of Iran congratulated the Gambia for the creation of the
School Improvement Grant as a step towards the progressive introduction of free education.
18.
Iraq commended the Gambia for the ratification of, among other instruments, the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment.
19.
Ireland welcomed the announcement of a moratorium on the death penalty and
encouraged the Gambia to consider extending a standing invitation to the special
procedures.
20.
Italy commended the Gambia for the ratification of human rights instruments and for
the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.
21.
Latvia encouraged the Gambia to undertake further efforts to fulfil its human rights
obligations and commitments and welcomed the State’s cooperation with the special
procedures.
22.
Libya commended the Gambia for its efforts in implementing the recommendations
from the previous review and the progress made in protecting human rights.
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