20/05/2026
The Gambian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, H.E. Mrs. Salimatta E.T. Touray, on Thursday the 14th May, 2026 received a delegation from the British Embassy accompanying the UK Ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative of the UK Mission in Geneva, Ms. Eleanor Sanders.
During the discussions, Ambassador Touray shared The Gambia’s perspectives as a Member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) over the past four years. She highlighted the substantial contributions made by The Gambian Delegation towards the maintenance of peace and security in Africa, particularly in the areas of conflict prevention, consolidation of democratic governance and values, respect for human rights, transitional justice, and Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) programmes.
Ambassador Touray further highlighted The Gambia’s active participation in continental discourse through the strengthening of early warning mechanisms, support for regional initiatives aimed at monitoring crisis situations, and the enhancement of preventive diplomacy. She also noted that The Gambia’s leadership during its consecutive PSC terms focused on promoting inclusive policies and advocacy initiatives addressing the specific needs of children affected by armed conflict.
At the national level, Ambassador Touray briefed the visiting delegation on the progress and milestones registered by the current Government in redefining the country’s democratic aspirations. She reaffirmed The Gambia’s steadfast commitment to sustaining stability and deepening democracy and the rule of law. In this regard, she highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), particularly the establishment of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Special Tribunal and the Constitutional Review process.
On the promotion and protection of human rights and civil liberties, which have considerably improved under the Government of President Adama Barrow, Ambassador Touray also informed the delegation about The Gambia’s continued active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), describing it as an important opportunity for the country to showcase measures undertaken to strengthen the human rights situation. She further emphasized the crucial role played by civil society organizations and women’s rights groups in advocating for the preservation of the 2015 legal ban on Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM).
Ambassador Touray also reaffirmed that human rights remain a key priority for The Gambia. She highlighted the country’s significant progress in advancing women’s rights, as well as the enactment of the Access to Information Act and legislation aimed at addressing misinformation and disinformation.
Additionally, Ambassador Touray noted that The Gambia continues to serve as a hub for human rights in Africa, hosting the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is currently in session.
In closing, Ambassador Touray informed the visiting British delegation that, as a Member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2025–2027), The Gambia remains fully committed to consolidating democratic gains, advancing human rights, and responding to the democratic aspirations of its people.
For her part, Ms. Eleanor Sanders emphasized that human rights are increasingly under pressure globally and must be safeguarded and promoted. The British delegation also stressed on the importance of strengthening coordination between the African Union Human Rights Agenda and the Peace and Security Council Agenda.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued engagement and cooperation on issues relating to human rights, peace, security, and democratic governance.
