Concept Note

Stakeholder Conference and Donor Roundtable on the

Implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations
Commission (TRRC) Recommendations

Sir Dawda Kairaba International Conference Centre,

XX and XX May 2023

Background
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) was established in
The Gambia in 2018, to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the
22-year regime of former President Yahya Jammeh. The TRRC concluded its public
hearings in 2019 and submitted its final report to the government in January 2021.
The report includes a wide range of recommendations for addressing the legacy of
past human rights violations, including measures to ensure accountability, provide
reparations to victims, and promote reconciliation.

The TRRC submitted its final report to the government of The Gambia on the 25th of
November 2021. In line with the law and the government's commitment to making
the report public, the full report was released to the public on the 24th of December
2021. The government undertook consultations with stakeholders on the content of
the report and released its whitepaper on the 25th of May 2022.

The government of The Gambia has committed to implementing the TRRC

recommendations and has developed an implementation plan to guide the process.
The implementation plan aims to ensure that the TRRC's recommendations are fully
and effectively implemented, in a manner that is transparent, inclusive, and
accountable. The plan outlines the steps that the government will take to implement
the various recommendations and identifies the key stakeholders responsible for
implementing them.

One of the key components of the implementation plan is the establishment of a

transitional justice coordination mechanism to oversee the implementation of the
TRRC recommendations. This mechanism will be responsible for coordinating the
efforts of various government agencies, civil society organizations, and other
stakeholders involved in the implementation process. The coordination mechanism
will also provide a platform for dialogue and consultation with victims, their families,
and other stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard throughout the
implementation process.

To ensure accountability, the implementation plan includes measures to strengthen

the justice system and enhance access to justice for victims and their families. This
includes the establishment of a specialized unit within the Attorney General's Office
to investigate and prosecute cases related to the TRRC's findings, as well as the
provision of legal aid and support services for victims and their families. The plan
also includes measures to reform the security sector, to ensure that state security
agencies are accountable and respect human rights.

In addition to these measures, the implementation plan includes provisions for

promoting reconciliation and healing, including the establishment of a national
reparations program to provide financial and other forms of assistance to victims and
their families. The program will be guided by principles of gender sensitivity,
inclusivity, and participation, and will prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable
victims.

Objective
The Government believes that it will be important to bring together all stakeholders
and partners to officially present this plan, mobilise required capital and human
resources and deliberate on the implementation process with a view to ensuring its
efficiency. The rationale behind the organisation of this Stakeholder Conference and
Donor Roundtable is wide ranging and include:
  Increase awareness and understanding of the TRRC's findings and
recommendations: The conference will provide an opportunity for
stakeholders to learn about the TRRC's findings and recommendations and
their implications for addressing the legacy of past human rights violations.

 To build commitment to implementation: The conference can be a platform

for the government and other stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to
implementing the TRRC's recommendations and to discuss the challenges
and opportunities for doing so.

 To promote collaboration and coordination: The conference will bring

together a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, victims,
civil society organizations, and international partners, and provide an
opportunity for them to discuss how they can work together to support the
implementation of the recommendations.

 To mobilize support: The conference can be used to mobilize support for the
implementation of the recommendations, including by highlighting funding
opportunities and partnerships that can support implementation.

 To provide a platform for victims and civil society organizations to voice

out their concerns and needs: The conference can provide an opportunity
for victims and civil society organizations to voice their concerns and needs
related to the implementation of the recommendations, and to provide input
into the government's implementation plans.

Target Audience: Government officials and representatives of relevant government

agencies, Members of the National Assembly, Victims of human rights violations and
their families, Civil society organizations working on human rights and transitional
justice issues, International organizations, development partners and media. In total
about 500 participants are expected.
Conference Structure:
Day 1:
Opening ceremony, including opening speeches by the President of the Republic of
The Gambia, government officials, and international organizations. This will be
followed by presentations of the Implementation plan consisting of presentations on:
i. A general overview of the Implementation Plan
ii. Justice and Accountability
iii. Reparations
iv. Peace and Reconciliation
v. Institutional Reforms and Capacity Building
vi. Legal Reforms.
vii. Guarantees of Non-repetition

These presentations will outline the main activities under each component, the
expected impact and the indicative cost.

Following the presentation of the Plan, there will be a spotlight presentation of some
of the support the Government has received towards the implementation of the
TRRC Report and the impact. This will utilise real life stories of victim-beneficiaries
(individual and communities) to show the positive dividend of partner support. It will
also show case how the synergy between Government, CSOs, Victim-led
organisations and Partners can be leveraged towards a successful implementation.

Finally, partners will be given opportunities to showcase some of their past work and
lay out their vision for supporting the implementation process. It is expected that
partners would have already had access to the IP beforehand and will be in a good
position to outline the kind of support they can provide. Partners will be able to
request a speaking slot beforehand and will get 10 minutes each.

The final session will be a presentation of the coordination framework between the
Government and Partners dubbed The Partnership Platform, and its official
launching. This platform is geared at streamlining donor support and for avoiding
duplication of efforts.

Day 2:
With an elaborate presentation of the Implementation Plan and Partner support on
Day 1, Day 2 will focus on Panel discussions that will set the stage for the “what
next?” and “How?”. Some proposed Panel discussions are set out below:

Panel Discussions
 "Accountability for past human rights violations: Challenges and
opportunities for implementing the TRRC's recommendations" - This panel
will bring together government officials, representatives of the judiciary,
and civil society organizations to discuss the challenges and opportunities
for holding those responsible for past human rights violations accountable,
and how to implement the TRRC's recommendations on this issue.

 "Reparations for victims: Developing a comprehensive strategy" - This

panel will bring together representatives of victims' organizations,
government officials, and international experts to discuss the need for
reparations for victims of past human rights violations, and how to develop
a comprehensive strategy for providing reparations.

 "Promoting reconciliation: Strategies for addressing the legacy of past

human rights violations" - This panel will bring together representatives of
community-based organizations, government officials, and international
experts to discuss the importance of reconciliation and the role of different
actors in promoting it, as well as strategies for addressing the legacy of
past human rights violations.

 "International support for the implementation of TRRC recommendations" -

This panel will bring together representatives of international organizations
and development partners to discuss their role in supporting the
 implementation of the TRRC's recommendations, including through
funding and technical assistance.

 "Victims' perspectives: Addressing the needs and concerns of victims" -

This panel will bring together representatives of victims' organizations and
individuals who have testified before the TRRC to discuss the needs and
concerns of victims, and how to ensure that their voices are heard and
their rights are protected during the implementation of the
recommendations.

It is intended that these discussions will be highly interactive dedicating a lot of time
for discussions, questions and contributions from the audience.

BUDGET
The Conference is expected to cost in the region of $46,100 consisting mainly of:
i. Meeting Venue: $5000
ii. Conference interpretation (Local languages): $5500
iii. Banners and Stationary: $3500
iv. Transport refund for 200 victims: $2500
v. DSA for victims from the Regions: $5,600
vi. Meals and refreshments for 500 participants: $16,000
vii. Printing 500 copies of IP for distribution: $8,000

The above budge is highly approximate with a more accurate budget to be

determined after finalisation of the invite list.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES.
 Increased awareness and understanding of the TRRC's findings and
recommendations among stakeholders.
 A renewed commitment to implementing the recommendations by the
government and other stakeholders.
 Identification of key challenges and opportunities for implementing the
recommendations.
 Development of concrete plans and strategies for implementing the
recommendations, including funding and partnership opportunities.
 Enhanced collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to support the
implementation of the recommendations.
 AGENDA
Stakeholder Conference and Donor Roundtable on the Implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations
Commission (TRRC) Recommendations

Sir Dawda Kairaba International Conference Centre,

12th and 13th May 2023
DAY 1

Time Agenda Item Speaker/Panel Members Moderator/Facilitator Summary

9:00 - 9:30 Arrival of Guests and N/A Secretariat Guests arrive, register and are seated
Registration

9:30 – 10:30 Opening Ceremony Welcoming remarks by the Master of Ceremony (MC) Opening Speeches by Government Officials,
Master of Ceremony victims’ representative and International
Organizations
Goodwill message by a
representative of the
Victims.

Goodwill message from the

Ecowas President (or Rep)

Goodwill message from the

AU Chairperson (or Rep)
 Goodwill message from the
UN Secretary General (or
Rep)

Opening Statement by The

President of The Republic
of The Gambia, H.E Adama
Barrow.

10:30 – 10:50 Launching of General Overview of MC Official Launching of the Implementation

Implementation Plan Implementation Plan by the Plan.
Hon. Attorney General &
Minister of Justice.

Unveiling of Implementation
Plan by His Excellency the
President.
10:50 – 11:10 Launching of EU- General Overview of EU MC Official Launching of the EU-GREAT Project.
GREAT Project GREAT Project by EU
Ambassador to The
Gambia.

Unveiling of
Commemoration Plaque by
His Excellency the
President.
11:10 - 11:40 Group Photo and / / Overview of the key components, activities,
Coffee Break and goals.

11:40 - 11:55 Presentation: Justice Learned Solicitor General & MC Activities and expected impact for providing
and Accountability Legal Secretary reparations to victims

11:55 - 12:10 Presentation: Peace TBC Activities and expected impact for promoting
and Reconciliation peace and reconciliation
12:10 - 12:25 Presentation: Hon. Minister of Public Activities and expected impact for
Institutional Reforms Service and Administrative strengthening institutions and building
and Capacity Building Reforms capacity

12:25 - 12:40 Presentation: Legal Chairperson, Law Reform Activities and expected impact for
Reforms Commission implementing legal reforms

12:40 - 1:10 Spotlight MC Real-life stories of victim-beneficiaries and

Presentation: Support the positive impact of partner support
and Impact

1:10 - 2:30 Lunch Break

2:30 - 4:30 Partner Presentations Representatives of Partner MC Presentations on past work, vision, and
Organizations support for the implementation process (15
min each)
4:30 - 4:45 Presentation: The Hon. Attorney General & Official launch and explanation of the
Partnership Platform Minister of Justice coordination framework

4:45 - 5:00 Closing Ceremony & Opportunity for participants to network and
House Keeping discuss the day's presentations

DAY 2

Time Agenda Item Speaker/Panel Members Moderator Summary

8:30-9:00 Arrival and registration of Secretariat
guests

9:00 - 10:30 Panel: Accountability for
past human rights
violations: Challenges and
opportunities for
implementing the TRRC's
TBC This panel will bring together government
TBC (Government, Judiciary, officials, representatives of the judiciary,
and Civil Society and civil society organizations to discuss
Representatives) the challenges and opportunities for
holding those responsible for past human
 recommendations
10:30 - 11:45 Panel: Reparations for
Victims – Developing a
comprehensive strategy
11:45 - 1:00 Panel: Promoting
Reconciliation – Strategies
for addressing the legacy of
past human rights violations
1:00 - 2:30 Lunch Break
2:30 - 3:30 Panel: International Support
for TRRC
Recommendations.
3:30 – 4:30 Panel: Victims'
Perspectives – Addressing
the needs and concerns of
victims.
rights violations accountable, and how to
implement the TRRC's recommendations
on this issue.
TBC (Victims' Organizations, TBC his panel will bring together representatives
Government, and International of victims' organizations, government
Experts) officials, and international experts to
discuss the need for reparations for victims
of past human rights violations, and how to
develop a comprehensive strategy for
providing reparations.
TBC (Community TBC This panel will bring together
Organizations, Government, representatives of community-based
and International Experts) organizations, government officials, and
international experts to discuss the
importance of reconciliation and the role of
different actors in promoting it, as well as
strategies for addressing the legacy of past
human rights violations.
TBC (International TBC This panel will bring together
Organizations and representatives of international
Development Partners) organizations and development partners to
discuss their role in supporting the
implementation of the TRRC's
recommendations, including through
funding and technical assistance.
TBC (Victims and Victim- TBC This panel will bring together
Focused Organisations) representatives of victims' organizations
and individuals who have testified before
the TRRC to discuss the needs and
concerns of victims, and how to ensure that
their voices are heard and their rights are
protected during the implementation of the
recommendations.
4:30 - 5:00 Closing Session: Synthesis Conference Organizers and MC Recap of the main discussions and
and Next Steps Key Stakeholders outcomes, identification of priority actions
and next steps, and closing remarks