THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS & INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA In addition, in a bid to stop domestic violence, which is gender related torture, degrading and inhuman treatment, the State enacted the Domestic Violence Act in 2013 which criminalizes domestic violence. The Act also creates a Domestic Violence Support Fund to support the victims of domestic violence and it is in the process of being finalised. The purpose of this Support Fund is to inter alia ensure the provision of basic material support to victims of domestic violence, training victims and families and care support of victims of domestic violence and for the construction of shelters for victims of domestic violence in all regions in the country. In addition to the above, the National Human Rights Commission Act 2017 has been enacted, which set up a National Human Rights Commission for the first time in The Gambia; with the broad mandate to promote and protect Human Rights in The Gambia. Combating Human Trafficking In recognition of the fact that human trafficking is a form of slavery, the 2007 Trafficking in Persons Act created the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons (NATTIP). The Agency started operations on 1st December 2011 and has been engaging in country wide sensitisation programmes to enlighten the public on the dangers and legal consequences of trafficking in persons. It also organises capacity building workshops for both law enforcement officers and social workers in the areas of identification of trafficked victims, arrest procedures and protection of victims among its activities. NATTIP engages in the protection, rehabilitation and counselling of victims. It also investigates and prosecutes trafficking cases. During the period in review, the Agency has investigated sixty cases, with prosecutions on-going in four cases. The Agency’s plan of Action 2012-2016 has been revised and now covers the period span 2016 2020 in line with ECOWAS trafficking in persons guidelines for member States. As a result, plans are underway to sign MOU`s with Guinea Bissau, Ghana and Nigeria. The Agency has also established partnerships with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNDOC) and Senegalese National Authorities. The implementation of the Trafficking in Persons Act, 2007, as amended in 2010, 2011, the Children’s Act, 2005 and the Tourism Offenses Act, 2003 have had a great impact in combating trafficking in persons, particularly in the protection of children from sex trafficking These Acts have codified the offences relating 33