Civil Society Joint Submission on Caste-Based Discrimination in The Gambia
In an important update in the fight for rights for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and The Gambana International made a joint submission, highlighting the pressing issue of caste and descent-based discrimination in The Gambia.
Presented for the 48th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled for January–February 2025, this report evaluates The Gambia's progress in implementing recommendations from the previous UPR cycle (3rd cycle) and examines the prevailing human rights landscape.
Building on the recommendations made by Member States during the last cycle, this submission sheds light on the persistent structural inequalities and human rights violations faced by Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD). It underscores the gaps in legal protections, systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion, and the urgent need for a robust national framework to address these issues. Through this report, civil society aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for comprehensive reforms to uphold human rights for all.
The report submitted by the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and The Gambana International highlights the pervasive issue of caste and descent-based discrimination in The Gambia. Despite constitutional guarantees against discrimination and slavery, such practices remain entrenched, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
A key recommendation by the Study is for the Gambian government to identify caste or descent-based communities facing discrimination. Criteria for recognition include restrictions on inherited status alteration, marriage, segregation in education and public spaces, and limited freedom to choose
occupations.
Caste-based systems dominate the social structure across ethnic groups, perpetuating systemic exclusion and poverty. Communities labeled as “slaves” or “lower caste” face segregation in housing, education, and religious practices. This discrimination often manifests in violent reprisals, restricted political participation, and denial of access to communal resources. Women and children are disproportionately affected, suffering from forced labor, early marriages, and gender-based violence.
The lack of explicit recognition of caste-based discrimination in Gambia's legal framework exacerbates the problem. While the 1997 Constitution prohibits discrimination broadly, it does not address caste or descent explicitly. Attempts to address these gaps through constitutional review have stalled, leaving affected communities vulnerable. Furthermore, social norms rooted in caste hierarchies continue to undermine government efforts to promote equality and development.
The report underscores the need for urgent reforms, including enacting comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, improving data collection on marginalized groups, and ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services. It also calls for integrating these communities into national poverty alleviation and economic development initiatives. By addressing these systemic barriers, The Gambia can work toward a more inclusive society where caste-based discrimination is eradicated.