Gambia Launches Justice Veronic Wright’s ICC Candidacy at UN

Written by: Michaella Faith Wright

The Government of The Gambia has officially launched the candidacy of Justice Veronic Wright for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a ceremony held on 19 June 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, led by Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Njie commended President Adama Barrow and the Government for endorsing Justice Wright’s candidacy, describing it as a reflection of The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to international justice and accountability for atrocity crimes. He highlighted the country’s genocide case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice, as well as ongoing efforts to address human rights violations identified by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), as evidence of The Gambia’s leadership in promoting global justice.

Justice Wright thanked the Government for its confidence in her and outlined her vision for the ICC, stressing the importance of a victim-centred court that prioritises the rights and dignity of survivors, particularly victims of sexual violence and children affected by conflict. She also emphasised that fair and impartial proceedings are essential to maintaining the court’s legitimacy and public confidence.

Remarks were also delivered on behalf of Attorney General Dawda Jallow and Supreme Court Justice Cherno Jallow. The event was attended by Permanent Representatives, legal advisers, election officers and delegates from both States Parties and non-States Parties to the Rome Statute.