About Us

The Scretariat

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has a two-tier institutional structure comprising the Commissioners (policy and oversight) and the Secretariat (administration and programme implementation).
The Secretariat is headed by the Executive Secretary, who oversees the following Directorates.

The Executive Summary

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As provided under Section 26 of the NHRC Act 2017 as amended in 2020, the NHRC Secretariat is headed by an Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary arranges the business of the Commission and oversees the day-to-day administration of the Secretariat. The post holder serves a five-year term, which is renewable once. The Executive Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Executive Secretary.

Legal and Investigation

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The Legal and Investigation Department is responsible for the implementation of the protective mandate of the Commission. It receives, investigates, advises on and resolves complaints of human rights violations brought before the Commission.

 

It also undertakes research, advocacy and outreach activities to educate the public on the establishment, functions and mandate of the Commission, and monitors prisons and other detention facilities to assess conditions and evaluate compliance with international standards on the treatment of inmates.

The Child Rights Monitoring Unit is also a permanent structure under the Directorate of Legal and Investigation, established to strengthen child rights monitoring and accountability in The Gambia in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and UNICEF. 

Explore the Child Rights Monitoring Unit

Finance

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The Finance Department maintains the accounting and financial reporting system of the Commission, ensuring that audited financial statements always show a true and fair view of the financial position of the NHRC, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

 

It plans, coordinates and controls the Commission’s financial resources, manages funds in line with approved budgets, and ensures that assets, including cash, are safeguarded under sound internal control procedures.

Programmes and Resource Mobilisation

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This Department leads the planning and monitoring of programme implementation in line with the annual work plan.

 

It establishes and maintains strategic partnerships, explores and brings funding opportunities to the NHRC, and ensures timely reporting to funding partners.

Human Resources

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The Human Resources Department leads talent acquisition and management, including staff recruitment, training, performance and rewards management, employee relations, and ensuring the NHRC’s compliance with the labour laws of The Gambia.

 

It facilitates teamwork with a strong sense of fairness, fosters a positive work environment, and administers a robust staff welfare scheme that keeps staff motivated and boosts overall performance.

Communications and Media

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Communications is central to the work of the NHRC and is mainstreamed across all departments to ensure the public is always informed and educated on human rights issues. The Department leads the promotional mandate of the Commission and helps nurture a culture of respect for human rights.

 

It builds and maintains the image of the NHRC, creates an open channel between the Commission and the public, and facilitates access to information on results, updates and findings using interpersonal, print and online platforms, including social media.

Office of The Executive Secretary

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As provided under Section 26 of the NHRC Act 2017 as amended in 2020, the NHRC Secretariat is headed by an Executive Secretary.  The position is currently held by Dr. Saikou Kawsu Gassama. The Executive Secretary arranges the business of the Commission and oversees the day-to-day administration of the Secretariat. The post holder serves a five-year term, which is renewable once. The Executive Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Executive Secretary. 

The Secretariat is made up of Directorates; each is headed by a director.  They are:

The Commission currently has two Regional Offices. One in the North Bank Region, which covers the Lower River Region and the other in the Upper River Region, covering the Central River Region. Each of the Regional Offices is headed by a Regional Administrator who is supported by an Investigating Officer and a Legal Officer. However, there are plans to open offices in all regions.
The Office of the Executive Secretary also includes the Procurement Unit and the M & E Officer. The Secretariat also includes an Internal Audit Unit that reports directly to the NHRC Chairperson.  Currently, the Secretariat has fifty-three (53) full-time staff.

Explore the Unit

Regional Offices

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The Commission currently has two Regional Offices. One in the North Bank Region, which covers the Lower River Region and the other in the Upper River Region, covering the Central River

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