Background: The Gambian National Commission for Justice and Peace was established on April 22, 1993. It was a response to the challenge Pope Paul VI issued to all Christians in 1967: "If you want peace, work for justice."



Objectives: Its objective is "to translate into action the vision of the social mission of the Church, a church that does justice as an integral element of its faith."



Activities: To achieve this aim, the Commission: studies the social teaching of the Church and of international human rights charters and conventions; analyzes the contemporary situation in The Gambia; engages in prayer, discernment and reflection; and undertakes pastoral action that fights injustice and works for the transformation of society. This includes, inter alia, monitoring the human rights situation in The Gambia and assisting, where possible, victims of human rights violations. The Commission advises and keeps the Bishop informed on justice and human rights issues so that, whenever appropriate, he will be able to intervene effectively in the cause of justice "with charity, prudence and firmness."