UN Resident Coordinator Highlights Progress in Gambia’s Security Sector Reform

SSR Forum Photo Source: Ms. Emi Leung - UNDP Governance Officer:
On 2 October 2025, Mr. Karl-Frederick Paul, United Nations Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, addressed a collaborative forum on security sector laws and policies, emphasizing the country’s journey toward Security Sector Reform (SSR) as a vital part of its transitional justice process. Representing the UN, Mr. Paul highlighted that the SSR initiative aims to build security institutions that are accountable, effective, gender-responsive, and deeply committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and fostering public trust. The UN, through the Peacebuilding Fund, is actively supporting this work via the project “Sustaining The Gambia’s Peaceful Transition by Supporting the Implementation of the Security Sector Reform Strategy.” This joint effort by UNDP, OHCHR, and UNODC works in partnership with the Gambian government and various stakeholders including civil society organizations. Mr. Paul underscored the critical importance of reforming security sector laws and policies as a foundational step toward democratic governance and preventing the recurrence of human rights violations—a point strongly emphasized by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Aligning national legal frameworks with international human rights obligations, such as recommendations from UN treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, remains a legal imperative for the country. Since The Gambia’s democratic transition in 2017, significant strides have been made. Foundational policies including the National Security Policy (2019), National Security Strategy (2020), and Security Sector Reform Strategy (2020) collectively chart the course for sustainable transformation. The National Security Council Bill, currently before the National Assembly, further demonstrates the government’s commitment to a people-centered and accountable security sector that supports peace and stability. Highlighting inclusivity, Mr. Paul noted the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of marginalized groups—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—reflecting principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the “Leave No One Behind” agenda. The recent validation of Gender and Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse policies within security institutions stands as a testament to this commitment. Mr. Paul welcomed the inclusion of sessions focusing on marginalized groups’ rights in security laws during the forum and expressed confidence that all partners would leave with a shared understanding linking SSR laws and good security sector governance. Concluding, he acknowledged the essential roles of partnership, collaboration, and inclusive participation in the SSR process and commended the Government of The Gambia, the Office of National Security, UN agencies, and all stakeholders for their steadfast commitment. He reaffirmed the United Nations' continued support in advancing the country’s Security Sector Reform to ensure a safer, more just Gambia.

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