ICNL supported local partners as they adopted the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa in 2017. ICNL facilitated a civil society study group that helped develop the guidelines and is currently working with governments in the region to ensure that the guidelines are integrated into national law.

On July 27, 2020, the UN Human Rights Committee issued General Comment No. 37: the Committee’s first comprehensive guidance on the right of peaceful assembly, as enshrined in article 21 of the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. The Comment sets forth principles and standards on a range of important issues relating to protests and gatherings, including online assemblies, internet shutdowns, LGBT rights and peaceful protest, the policing of peaceful assemblies, notification and authorization requirements, and the surveillance and monitoring of assemblies. ICNL and ECNL facilitated civil society discussions on the draft General Comment and provided substantive input that influenced the content of the General Comment.

On November 18, 2019, the Cabinet of the Republic of The Gambia approved and endorsed a new Freedom of Information Bill (FoI Bill) that would improve access to information for both the media and the general public. Specifically, Section 11 of the approved Bill states that “every person has a right to access to information from a public body.”  ICNL’s written recommendations are reflected in the current Bill. ICNL’s contribution was two-fold: it not only helped to improve on the Bill, but it was also critical in helping members understand various issues related to the right to information. The FoI Bill, once adopted, will protect the right to and facilitate access to information held by publicly funded public and private organs.