Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, Mr Karl-Frederick Paul, at The Collaborative Forum on Security Sector Laws and Policies

Honourable Abdoulie Sanyang, Minister of Interior

Honourable Abubakkar Jeng, National Security Advisor (NSA)

All government representatives present

All partners, including National Human Rights Commission, Gambia Federation of the Disabled, CSOs and the media

UN Colleagues

All protocols respectfully observed.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour for me to stand before you, representing the United Nations on this very important occasion.  

We are all aware that the Gambia has embarked on a transitional justice process that includes Security Sector Reform (SSR). 

The Gambia’s Security Sector Reform seeks to strengthen accountable, effective, and gender-responsive security institutions that uphold the rule of law, safeguard human rights, and promote public trust. 

To this end, the United Nations, through the Peacebuilding Fund is implementing the “Sustaining The Gambia’s Peaceful Transition by Supporting the Implementation of the Security Sector Reform Strategy” project jointly implemented by UNDP, OHCHR, and UNODC in partnership with the Government of The Gambia and in close collaboration with key stakeholders including civil society.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

Today’s training is critical for many reasons.

The reform of security sector laws and policies is a critical step in advancing democratic governance, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring non-recurrence of past violations, as underscored by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). 

Aligning The Gambia’s security sector legal framework with country’s international human rights obligations—including recommendations issued by UN treaty bodies and through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)—is also a legal imperative. 

Effective Security Sector Reform is indispensable to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. 

Since the 2017 democratic transition, The Gambia has made notable progress in Security Sector Reform, marked by the adoption of the National Security Policy (2019), the National Security Strategy (2020), and the Security Sector Reform Strategy (2020), which together provide a roadmap for transformation. The National Security Council Bill, now before the National Assembly, further underscores the government’s commitment to advancing a people-centered and accountable security sector that sustains peace and stability.

And finally, to be truly transformative, SSR must also be inclusive, ensuring the meaningful participation of marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, in line with the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the Leave No One Behind agenda. The recently validated Gender and Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA) policies for security institutions is a testament of Government’s commitment to an inclusive SSR.

I am therefore very happy to note that the agenda includes a session on the rights of marginalized groups in security laws and policies.

We therefore envisage that after this forum, all our partners will have a shared understanding of SRR related laws and policies and their relation with good security sector governance.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

Partnership, collaboration and meaningful participation of all stakeholders lie at the heart of a successful security sector reform. 

Today’s gathering has brought together many stakeholders, testament to the participatory and transparent approach required to ensure a rights-based, accountable, and inclusive security sector reform.

The UN congratulates The Gambia in the steps made thus far. 

We welcome and appreciate the presence of the Minister of Interior Abdoulie Sanyang,  testament to the importance The Government places in this process.

Allow me to also congratulate UNODC, UN OHCHR and UNDP, as well as the Office of National Security (ONS), for the clear partnership and collaboration in implementation of the SSR Project. 

I wish to reaffirm the United Nations’ steadfast commitment to supporting the Government and people of The Gambia in advancing Security Sector Reform. 

I thank you all for your kind attention and wish you all successful deliberations!