How has The Gambia progressed in recognising CDWD rights: UPR Fact sheets

How has The Gambia progressed in recognising CDWD rights: UPR Fact sheets

The Gambia continues to grapple with deeply rooted caste and descent-based discrimination (DWD), a pervasive issue affecting marginalized communities across the country. Despite national and international commitments to eradicate such discrimination, systemic inequalities persist, particularly in education, gender equality, political representation, and protection from violence. Communities identified as “slave castes” face widespread stigma and exclusion-especially…

A seismic moment: ACHPR adopts resolution on Africa CDWD

A seismic moment: ACHPR adopts resolution on Africa CDWD

In a significant milestone for the rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has adopted a landmark resolution focused on the protection and promotion of these communities’ rights in Africa.  This resolution was passed as one of eight thematic resolutions during the 81st Public…

A silent crisis: Halimatou Ceesay’s powerful presentation exposes caste-based discrimination in The Gambia

A silent crisis: Halimatou Ceesay’s powerful presentation exposes caste-based discrimination in The Gambia

In The Gambia, a country often celebrated for its vibrant cultural diversity, an unspoken reality continues to plague thousands of people: caste-based discrimination, particularly against communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD). Despite significant strides toward abolishing slavery and improving human rights, the shadow of descent-based oppression remains deeply entrenched, affecting every facet of life—from…

81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR: Public Statement by Alima Taal

81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR: Public Statement by Alima Taal

At the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, GFoD senior rights expert Alima Taal delivered a powerful statement addressing a pressing concern in African societies: discrimination based on work and descent. Alima highlighted the caste systems ingrained within various ethnic groups across the continent,…

Special Interest Group demands adoption of resolution on CDWD in Africa

Special Interest Group demands adoption of resolution on CDWD in Africa

The panel was chaired by Litha Musyimi, Commissioner of African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) during the NGO Forum ahead of  81st Session of the ACHPR on October 15, 2024 The NGO Forum ahead of 81st Session of African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held from October 13 to 15, 2024,…