Emmanuel D. Joof, The Chairperson Of The National Human Rights Commission
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National human rights commission on Monday held a day-long validation meeting to validate its first annual report that should be summited to the National Assembly on the status of the implementation of the white paper on the TRRC recommendations.
The TRRC made the recommendation for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to be given the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, and in that capacity reports on the status of implementation and provides an annual report to the National Assembly.
The validation meeting brought together members of civil society organizations, victim lead organizations, National Assembly members, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the National human rights commission, Emmanuel D. Joof, said as part of its strategies to support effective monitoring of the implementation process, the NHRC has also developed an online monitoring matrix to ease tracking of the implementation by relevant stakeholders.
“NHRC has been playing a very active role since the submission of the TRRC Report to the President in November 2021. With your permission, allow me to briefly update you on what we have been doing regarding the TRRC to date,” he said.
Mr. Joof added that they will discuss the implementation of the Government White Paper, one year after the release of the White Paper, review the draft report prepared by the NHRC with the assistance of the Support Monitoring Committee and to Obtain additional information from stakeholders to enrich the draft status report.
Sarephine Wakana, the UN Resident Coordinator, said the report will highlight the current level of implementation and will also provide further insight into the challenges faced.
“I have mentioned before that the road to full implementation of the TRRC recommendations will be long. It will require dedication, political will, and international allocation of resources,”
“We have all watched how the NHRC has been exemplary in ensuring it fulfills its mandate. We, therefore, have no doubt the NHRC will continue to do the same with regard to monitoring the implementation of the TRRC recommendations,”she said.
Honorable Madi Ceesay, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee On Human Rights and constitutional matters, said when the report is submitted it will be an important tool for the National Assembly to adequately promote the implementation of the White Paper.
“As the NHRC prepares to submit this report, I wish to assure the NHRC that the committee remains open to enhancing its cooperation with it and providing the necessary support to its work,” he assured the commission.
Hon.Ceesay added that, as a State in transition, they owe it to victims and their families to ensure justice and accountability as well as reparations for human rights violations that they have suffered.