Torture Is a No-Go Area, Say Police at WAVE Human Rights Training

Group Picture of WAVE and Police Officers © Askanwi

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

The Women’s Association for Victims and Women Empowerment (WAVE) has concluded a capacity-building training for security officers on human rights and anti-torture laws. During the training, a senior police officer emphasized that “torture is a no-go area,” adding that detainees should not be questioned without a witness and that efforts are underway to change the status quo.

The training, held in two batches from 16th to 19th June 2025, took place at the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) headquarters in Kanifing. This year’s event marked the third edition of the Human Rights and Cultural Festival, an initiative commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on 26th June.

Held under the theme “Healing Through Rehabilitation: Restoring Dignity and Promoting Accountability,” the festival aimed to deepen advocacy for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) and to strengthen The Gambia’s commitment to human rights and accountability.

According to organizers, the initiative not only builds on the success of previous editions but also promotes a human rights-based approach within the country’s law enforcement institutions. The event was supported by the Fund for Global Human Rights and the Legal Empowerment Fund.

WAVE and Senior Police Office © Askanwi

During the final two days of the training, participants engaged in in-depth sessions covering topics such as the principles of human rights, The Gambia’s Anti-Torture Law, definitions and forms of torture, international best practices in torture prevention, evidence collection and victim interviews, internal accountability mechanisms, complaint handling and reporting procedures, and trauma-informed approaches.

A standout moment during the training occurred in a session moderated by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Musa Camara. An officer revealed that, in practice, statements are often obtained before calling in an independent witness. ACP Camara promptly corrected this, stating, “You should not obtain a statement without an independent witness.” He emphasised, “We are here to change the narrative because after this training, we are the ones returning to the stations and charge offices to implement these standards.”

Continuing his reflections on best practices in torture prevention, Camara highlighted that solitary confinement must not be used as a tool of retaliation. “You cannot put someone in solitary confinement just because you are not happy with them. Torture is not only physical; it is also mental.”

The training emphasized the importance of aligning national practices with international frameworks like the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). OPCAT calls for the establishment of regular, independent inspections of places where people are deprived of liberty, such as police cells, prisons, and psychiatric institutions. These inspections, carried out by National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), aim to prevent torture by increasing transparency and accountability in detention settings.

Another vital reference point in the training was the Nelson Mandela Rules—officially known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. These rules provide comprehensive guidelines on prisoner treatment, including humane conditions of detention, healthcare, disciplinary procedures, and the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Integrating the Mandela Rules into the training reinforced the importance of dignity, non-discrimination, and rehabilitation in law enforcement practices.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates to two batches of participating officers.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues, Corporal Abdul Wahab Saidy, Planning Officer at the Police Headquarters in Banjul, expressed gratitude to the police leadership and WAVE for making the training a reality.

"Since the change of government, the police have been striving to meet international standards, and this programme will go a long way in enhancing that quest," Saidy said. He told his colleagues present, "Torture is a no-go area, and I implore my fellow officers—I plead with them—to never lay a hand on anybody. Our job is clearly stated in the Constitution: we are here to protect life and property."

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General commended the initiative and said the training was more than just a session—it represented a step forward in reforming the police force.

"This moment signifies more than the end of a training session; it marks a collective journey towards building a more professional, accountable, and rights-respecting police service," he stated. He added, "The training has equipped officers with knowledge of The Gambia’s Anti-Torture Act and the tools to distinguish lawful conduct from practices that violate human rights."

As The Gambia continues its democratic transition and institutional reforms, programmes like this training underscore the urgent need to transform the culture of law enforcement—anchoring it in human dignity, transparency, and justice.