The promotion and protection of human rights are essential pillars of democratic governance and the rule of law. In The Gambia, the Gambia Bar Association (GBA) plays a pivotal role in advocating for justice, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

IHRDA has a proven track record of building the capacity of lawyers, human rights defenders and other civil society actors across the continent, including training Gambian lawyers and stakeholders in human rights and transitional justice. In 2021, IHRDA conducted training sessions for Gambian lawyers and civil society organisations on implementing the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. In 2022, IHRDA provided specialised training for the Ministry of Justice, focusing on international criminal law, designed to bolster the Ministry’s capacity to navigate the complexities of transitional justice effectively.

Despite significant strides in The Gambia’s commitment to human rights, challenges remain—especially regarding the effective enforcement of rights at regional and international levels. The ECOWAS Court and AU human rights mechanisms are vital avenues for addressing human rights violations. However, there exists a noticeable gap in the knowledge and skills required for effective litigation within this framework. This training, held in Banjul in October 2025 aimed to bridge the gap by equipping legal practitioners with essential tools to navigate these complex legal landscapes.