Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 34th Session (04-15 November 2019): 3rd UPR of Gambia - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Shri Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary [Geneva, 05 November 2019] Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 34th Session (04-15 November..

Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 34th Session (04-15 November 2019): 3rd UPR of Gambia - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Shri Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary [Geneva, 05 November 2019]

Mr. President,

India warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Gambia and thanks it for presenting its National Report.

2. We fully acknowledge the challenges faced by Gambia in strengthening institutional framework for better protection and promotion of human rights of its people. We encourage the Government of Gambia to continue its cooperation with the United Nations and other relevant International Organizations to further strengthen its national laws and align them in conformity with international human rights law.

3. We also welcome the establishment of National Human Rights Commission under the National Human Rights Commission Act 2017 and its conformity to Paris Principles.

4. India recommends the following to Gambia:

  • Continue the process of strengthening the Judicial System that started in 2017 which would provide the Judiciary complete independence.
  • Continue effective implementation of the National Health Policy Framework (NHPF) 2012-2020 especially by targeting the most vulnerable groups.
  • Take effective measures by means of policy and legislative reforms to combat violation of children’s rights.

We wish Gambia a successful review.

Thank you, Mr. President.