United Nations Radio

UN and African human rights experts are expressing concerns ahead of a human rights meeting in The Gambia.

Yahya Jammeh, President of the Gambia

Three Special Rapporteurs from the UN and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights say they are "deeply concerned" for the security of human rights defenders in the Gambia, and the "hundreds" who will attend the Commission's session in the capital, Banjul, from November 11-25.

The experts are "deeply disturbed" by statements attributed to the country's President, made on September 21, "where he publicly threatened to kill human rights defenders in the Gambia and all people cooperating with them."

In a statement on Friday, the experts stress that "such alleged public statements by a Head of State are unacceptable and in contradiction with all human rights instruments ratified by the Gambia."

They call on the President to issue a public statement highlighting "the importance and legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders, and their essential contributions to the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law in contradiction to what may have been reported."

The Special Rapporteurs note they are further concerned that freedom of expression and opinion is being stifled in the Gambia.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio
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