The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) is a Pan-African non-governmental organisation based in The Gambia that promotes and protects human rights in Africa through strategic litigation, advocacy, capacity building, and research. Since its establishment in 1998, IHRDA has worked to advance access to justice and strengthen the implementation of regional and international human rights standards across the continent.

IHRDA has extensive experience litigating cases before African and regional human rights mechanisms, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Beyond litigation, the organisation undertakes implementation advocacy to support legislative, policy and institutional reforms arising from human rights decisions.

IHRDA has also engaged in multi-stakeholder advocacy on the decriminalisation of petty offences in The Gambia, contributing to broader criminal law reform efforts. Its current work includes promoting State accountability, strengthening implementation of regional human rights decisions, and advancing human rights protections for vulnerable and marginalised communities across Africa.