By Fatou Bojang
The Post-TRRC Unit held its final Civil Society Organization (CSO) Platform workshop on Tuesday at TANGO Hall in Kanifing. This workshop emphasized the essential integration of comprehensive medical support services for victims of human rights violations within The Gambia’s transitional justice framework.
A three-hour capacity-building session covered important topics, including the recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), the White Paper, and the Implementation Plan, along with strategic communications.
Saffiatou Nyang, legal officer of the Post-TRRC Unit (PTU), highlighted that the board has developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She explained that these SOPs are designed to provide immediate medical care and long-term psychological support, recognizing the profound psychological impact of human rights violations.
“This holistic approach aims to address the trauma experienced by victims, ensuring they receive the necessary care while navigating the complexities of their situations,” Nyang stated.
The meeting also underscored the importance of effective communication between the Medical Board and victims, as concerns arose about victims being unaware of the services available to them. One participant noted that victims often fear seeking medical assistance might jeopardize their chances of obtaining reparations, highlighting the need for an outreach strategy to inform victims about support systems without stigmatizing their experiences.
Haruna Drammeh, a consultant specializing in effective communication strategies in transitional justice, stressed the importance of simplifying messages to accommodate diverse audiences, particularly in multilingual communities. He cautioned that communicators must approach discussions with sensitivity to avoid re-traumatization. “Effective communication strategies are vital for building trust, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring clarity in sensitive contexts,” Drammeh remarked.
