8 May 2023 – Banjul: "The Government of The Gambia, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights supported the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), is pleased to announce the upcoming Stakeholder Conference and Donor Roundtable on the Implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) Recommendations. This significant event will take place on 12 and 13 May 2023, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre."

The TRRC was established in 2018 to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the 22-year regime of former President Yahya Jammeh. Having concluded its public hearings in May 2021 and submitted its final report to the government in November 2021, the TRRC provided comprehensive recommendations for addressing the legacy of past human rights violations, promoting accountability, reparations, and reconciliation.

To fulfill the commitment of implementing the TRRC recommendations, the Government of The Gambia has developed a comprehensive implementation plan that emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. As part of this plan, a transitional justice coordination mechanism will be established to oversee the implementation process, ensuring collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The mechanism will also facilitate dialogue and consultation with victims and their families to ensure their voices are heard.

The Stakeholder Conference and Donor Roundtable serve multiple objectives. First, it aims to increase awareness and understanding of the TRRC's findings and recommendations, providing stakeholders with valuable insights into addressing the legacy of human rights violations. Secondly, the conference will foster commitment to the implementation process, encouraging government officials and stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to the TRRC's recommendations while discussing potential challenges and opportunities.

Moreover, this event will promote collaboration and coordination among a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, victims of human rights violations and their families, civil society organizations, international organizations, development partners, and the media. It offers a unique platform to explore how these stakeholders can work together effectively in supporting the implementation of the recommendations.

Additionally, the conference aims to mobilize support for the implementation process, emphasizing funding opportunities and partnerships that can contribute to the successful realization of the TRRC's recommendations. Furthermore, it provides a crucial platform for victims and civil society organizations to voice their concerns and needs, enabling them to contribute to the government's implementation plans.

The target audience for the conference includes government officials, representatives of relevant government agencies, Members of the National Assembly, victims of human rights violations and their families, civil society organizations, international organizations, development partners, and the media. The conference anticipates approximately 400 participants.

The structure of the conference will span two days. The first day will commence with an opening ceremony featuring speeches by the President of the Republic of The Gambia, government officials, and international organizations. Presentations of the Implementation Plan will follow, covering key aspects such as justice and accountability, reparations, peace and reconciliation, institutional reforms and capacity building, legal reforms, and guarantees of non-repetition. The day will conclude with a spotlight presentation highlighting the impact of partner support and the success stories of victim-beneficiaries.

On the second day, panel discussions will take place, addressing critical topics related to the implementation of the TRRC's recommendations. These discussions will involve government officials, representatives of the judiciary, civil society organizations, victims' organizations, international experts, and other relevant stakeholders. The interactive nature of the discussions will allow for questions, contributions, and fruitful exchanges with the audience.

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Media contacts:
Musa Saho, Ministry of Justice Communication Officer, Tel +220 3361244; msaho@moj.gov.gm
Rohey Samba-Jallow, UNDP Communications Specialist, Tel +220 7471327; rohey.samba-jallow@undp.org