By Makutu Manneh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with stakeholders, on Thursday validated a perception survey on the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) White Paper. The exercise, held on August 21, 2025, aimed to assess the views of victims, institutions, and the general public on the progress, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the TRRC’s recommendations.
NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof described the TRRC as a landmark in The Gambia’s transitional justice journey, noting that it gave victims and families a platform to share their experiences and expose the human rights violations committed during 22 years of authoritarian rule. He stressed that the Commission’s work laid out a roadmap for justice, reparations, reconciliation, and institutional reform, while reminding stakeholders that restoring trust and consolidating democracy requires concrete, sustained action.
“It is against this background that the NHRC, with the general support of the peacebuilding fund through UNDP and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, commissioned this perception survey,” Mr. Joof explained. “Perception matters; it shapes confidence in government institutions, determines the trust of victims in the justice process, and influences whether the citizens feel involved in national reconciliation efforts.”
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Marie Njie Adams emphasized the value of the survey, describing it as a tool for understanding the perspectives of victims and the wider public on truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition.“This is not only timely but critical in informing the right base and victim-centered policies and decision making by state institutions,” she said.
UNDP representative Sainey Ceesay highlighted that the findings capture the voices, experiences, and aspirations of victims, survivors, and communities nationwide. He noted that the transitional justice process remains incomplete, with victims still calling for timely reparations, transparent communication, and inclusive participation.
He said the report underscores the critical role of government, parliament, civil society, and development partners in accelerating progress, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that no one is left behind,
Karl-Frederick Paul, the UN Country Representative in The Gambia, underscored that the survey is consistent with the African Union’s Transitional Justice Policy and international commitments, including those of the United Nations.
“It is only through a transpiring dialogue, collaboration between state institutions, civil society, and the commission, and a steadfast support from the development partners that The Gambia will succeed in consolidating peace, strengthen democracy and ensuring that never again the rights of its citizens will be violated leaving no one behind,” he said.
According to the NHRC’s latest monitoring report, only 16 recommendations from the TRRC White Paper have been fully implemented, while 192 remain in progress and 55 are yet to be addressed. The Commission noted that consultations with victims and victim-led organizations reveal growing dissatisfaction with the slow pace of implementation.