NHRC reviews second status report on TRRC white paper

The event took place at the Ocean Bay Conference Hall in Bakau on Thursday, September 26 2024.

On May 25, 2022, the Government of The Gambia released its White Paper on the TRRC Report, designating the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as the body responsible for monitoring the implementation and providing annual updates to the National Assembly.

In line with this mandate, the NHRC has compiled its annual status report, which outlines the progress made by relevant stakeholders in implementing the White Paper's recommendations.

The draft report also highlights the challenges faced during the implementation process and offers recommendations for addressing these issues moving forward.

During his address, Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairman of the NHRC, noted that one of the accepted recommendations was the NHRC to monitor the implementation process and present an annual report to the National Assembly.  In May 2023, he further stated, the government presented its Implementation Plan at a Stakeholder Conference and Donor Roundtable on the TRRC recommendations.

The Implementation Plan was designed to ensure accountability, reconciliation, and timely execution of the White Paper recommendations, Joof said, adding that the Plan establishes a transitional justice coordination mechanism to oversee the process. It also outlines specific actions to be taken by the Government, and designates key stakeholders responsible for implementation.

"By involving a wide range of stakeholders in reviewing the draft report, the NHRC aims to present the National Assembly with a comprehensive and updated document that accurately reflects the Government’s progress in implementing the TRRC’s recommendations," Chairman Joof emphasised.

Madi Ceesay, Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, expressed concern over the long wait for justice for victims whose rights were violated during the 22-year rule of former President Jammeh.

He lamented that many victims have passed away without seeing justice served, while others continue to struggle, he said.

Every Gambian has been affected by Jammeh’s actions, he emphasised, saying victims are often forced to encounter their perpetrators in public places such as schools, banks, and on the streets, raising questions about how the country can truly heal.

Ceesay commended the NHRC for its timely validation of the status report and called on the government to swiftly implement the recommendations in the document.