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 PART B: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA A. Applicability of the Protocol In July 2003, the African Union Assembly adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (hereinafter referred to as the Protocol). The Gambia ratified the Protocol on the 25th of May 2005. This is the initial report of The Gambia under the Protocol and captures the period 2005 to 2014 and is submitted in accordance with article 26 of the Protocol as read with the Guidelines for State Reporting issued by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In accordance with these Guidelines, this report reflects legislative and other measures taken by the Republic of The Gambia for the full realization of women’s rights as recognized in the Protocol. The Gambia did not make any reservations to this Protocol. The Gambia’s initial report on the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa was developed through a consultative process between the Government, civil society, women’s right organizations and donor partners and was collated under the guidance and supervision of the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice. B. Background Information i. The Constitution The Constitution of The Gambia which is the supreme law of the land contains provisions to guarantee equality and non-discrimination among all persons. Under Chapter IV, Section 17 provides for the protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all persons in The Gambia irrespective of colour, race, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property birth or other status. 125