In the context of its mission to strengthen human rights protection and promotion in Africa, the Institute

for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) launched the “Human Rights Capacity-Building

Project for Gambia Law Enforcement Agencies” in October 2015. The goal of this project is to strengthen

the human rights culture in the public security sector of The Gambia, in a bid to improve the relationship

between public security institutions and the public, and restore public confidence in the sector, which is

vital to ensure peace and stability in the country.

The relevance of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) in matters of public security

does not need to be over-emphasized. It is well acknowledged that many people in the communities are

prone to engaging in drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related activities, without considering the threat

these pose to the society and to themselves. It is well known that persons dealing with drugs are likely

to be involved in many other common crimes, such as sexual offences, banditry, money laundering, and

illegal use of arms, etc. Such persons also subject themselves to a lot health hazards resulting from drugs.

Therefore, while the DLEAG has an exceedingly important role to play in ensuring the security of the

country, it is also very much involved in shaping moral standards in the society by combating delinquency

and immorality.

However, while carrying-out their responsibilities, it is usually challenging for Drug Law Officers to always

remember that drug dealers or drug suspects are not exempt from enjoying fair and humane treatment as

human beings.

In this human rights capacity-building project, IHRDA has provided training to some DLEAG officers, and

this manual is expected to complement the knowledge transferred to personnel of the institution.

We therefore hope that this manual will serve as a practical, user-friendly guide for better understanding

and applying of human rights principles in the everyday duties of DLEAG Officers. The manual is designed

such that, depending on the issue at hand, the user can refer directly to the subject matter that pertains

to the issue. For example, the issues covered include the basic definition of human rights, the handling of

arrests, searches and seizures, the use of force, rights of detainees, the definition of vulnerable groups

and why they deserve special protection, and how human rights can improve the work of DLEAG Officers,

etc. All of the subjects covered draw inspiration from relevant national and international law and standards.

IHRDA would like to particularly thank the Canadian Embassy in Dakar for its commitment and support to

the Human Rights Capacity-Building Project for Gambia Law Enforcement Agencies.