The deputy Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Fallou Sowe, has said policies and legal instruments are useless if not implemented, thus the crucial role of law enforcers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop for law enforcement officers, Mr. Sowe explained that while it is true that the respect for and promotion of human rights is an integral part of social development, it is also true that some law enforcement officers do not know some of the legal instruments they should enforce, especially international instruments signed and ratified by The Gambia.

“The Universal Declaration of human rights, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child to name but a few which are signed and ratified by our state. These instruments are meant to guard, protect and promote the rights and welfare of our people, especially the under-privileged, excluded and invisible groups of our society. Thus, as law enforcers we are obliged to respect and implement them,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the two-day workshop was organised by Bajito Onda Africa Foundation.