The two-day event held at Bakadaji Hotel, also seeks to enhance the understanding of officials of the National Human Rights Commission with regards to the role of lawmakers in ensuring a more holistic and effective implementation of the White Paper on the TRRC Report. This NHRC believes would enable them hold the executive accountable for the provision of justice, redress, and reparation for the victims and survivors of the human rights violations.
Njundu Drammeh, Commissioner at NHRC, described the forum as important to the commission as they make reports to NA on human rights and constitutional matters.
He reminded that the role of the NAM's in the protection and promotion of human rights is absolutely significant especially over the Executive and people which are linked to the promotion of enjoyment of civil, political and cultural rights.
He made reference to the universality of human rights and understanding its origin.
Desta Tiruneh, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, who doubles as the UN Resident Coordinator interim, thanked the NHRC for such an important forum in the time of transitional justice process.
WHO Country rep indicated that transitional justice process is associated with many human right and legal development, which he added, demands NAM'S to have a better understanding of their roles in such matters.
Tiruneh continued that the transitional justice process established key institutions such as NHRC and the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC).
The workshop, he added, is an opportunity for the commission to brief the National Assembly members on implementing the TRRC reports and strengthening their capacity in advancing human rights.
Seedy K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, applauded the Commission for the continuous capacity building of lawmakers especially at the committee level to be able to enhance their oversight role and effectiveness for quality service delivery of parliament.
"This good working relationship with the commission will be further enhanced in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedom obligations of the Gambia."
He expressed optimism that lessons learnt from the forum will further enhance the skills of lawmakers on their roles to support NHRC for full realisation of human rights in the country.
