The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is pleased to inform the general public that theCommittee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (CPTA or the Committee) organised a Roundtable Discussionwith Key Stakeholders on Providing Redress to Gambian Returnees who were Subjected to Torture and other Ill-treatment, on 15 July 2019, at the Labranda Coral Beach Resort, in Banjul, The Gambia.
The Roundtable brought together twenty-four (24) participants including governmental representatives, the International Organisation for Migration, as well as national and non-governmental institutions. The Meeting was led by Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of CPTA, and Honourable Commissioner Lawrence M. Mute, Member of CPTA.
The Roundtable Discussion highlighted the overall migration pattern of Gambian nationals, as well as the torture and other ill-treatment that Gambian migrants are subjected to. The Roundtable further unpacked the content of redress for victims of torture and other ill-treatment, and highlighted the state obligation to provide redress to victims. It also gave an overview of the Global Compact for Migration, particularly as it relates to the provision of redress to migrants who were subjected to various forms of abuse.
The Roundtable noted the existing legislative, administrative and institutional framework on redress in The Gambia; identified gaps in the framework; agreed on interventions to address the gaps; and recognised the relevant stakeholders in that regard.
The Roundtable Discussion concluded by identifying the key actors to coordinate efforts to ensure implementation of some of the interventions, and to lead the process forward. The Roundtable also noted the need to carry out a follow-up meeting to take stock of progress made in that regard.
The CPTA will continue its engagement with stakeholders on this important initiative and is ready to provide technical support. It will publish an outcome document on the Roundtable Discussion in the coming days.
The Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to the representatives of the various institutions for their keen participation in the Roundtable Discussion.
