HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE GAMBIA (No. 2)

That this House is deeply disturbedby the recent escalation of human rights violations in The Gambia; notes with concern that two Gambian journalists, Babucarr Ceesay and Abubacarr Saidykhan, were arrested after requesting permission to demonstrate as required by Gambian law; is very concerned by the continued unlawful arrests, harassment and detention of journalists and activists who are seen as opponents of the Gambian government; further notes that there have been recent occurrences as reported by Amnesty International where nine prisoners, including one woman, were executed by firing squad; is deeply troubled by reports of the Gambian government's national address on the Muslim festival of Eid saying that it would execute all prisoners on death row within the next calendar month; is aware that these 38 prisoners are perceived to be opponents of the Gambian government and have been convicted of treason; is extremely concerned for the safety of those Gambians who are seen as opponents of the Gambian government; and calls on the Government toraise urgently the case of human rights with the Gambian government as well as looking for opportunities to safeguard the human rights of Gambian nationals including prisoners as set out in the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.