NHRC: ‘Low Budgetary Allocations Continue to Hamper Implementation of TRRC White Paper’

NHRC Chairperson and Commissioners © Askanwi

By Edward Francis Dalliah

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concern that inadequate budgetary allocations continue to undermine the effective implementation of the Government White Paper on the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

In its Third Status Report on the Monitoring of the Government White Paper, covering the period May 2024 to May 2025, the NHRC noted that many of the institutions tasked with carrying out the White Paper’s recommendations are struggling to fulfil their mandates due to limited financial resources.

“Low budgetary allocations to Implementing Entities by the Government continues to hamper the implementation of the White Paper,” the report stated, adding that several institutions lack dedicated budget lines to support activities assigned to them in the Implementation Plan.

A review of the Implementation Plan shows that the government allocated an estimated $148.8 million, about GMD 10.8 billion, to implement the White Paper between 2023 and 2027. The document affirmed the government’s commitment to fund the “process through its national budget” while also seeking additional technical and financial support from international partners, donor governments, and multilateral organisations.

However, three years into the process, funding constraints have emerged as one of the key factors behind the slow pace of implementation. The Commission cited the Gambia Prisons Service as an example, noting that the service has decried inadequate funding to improve the dietary conditions of inmates, a major TRRC recommendation.

In August 2025, 23 anti-PURA price floor protesters remanded at Mile 2 Prison by Magistrate Thomos Touray complained about the “poor” diet and deteriorating prison infrastructure. Speaking at an event organised by the Women’s Association for Women and Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE) on Friday, 17th October 2025, Prison PRO Luke Jatta said their “concern is structural,” referring to infrastructures, but pointed out that the government has promised to build a new prison.

NHRC Mr Basirou Bah © Askanwi

The NHRC launched its annual TRRC Monitoring Report at a press conference held at the Bakadaji Hotel on 16th October 2025.

Beyond financial challenges, the NHRC highlighted inadequate human and technical resources, the absence of a central dashboard to track progress, and weak communication between government institutions, victims, and the public as major barriers to progress.

The report further observed that “most of the implementing entities do not have a clear understanding of the Implementation Plan and the activities assigned to them,” creating inconsistencies between their reports and actual progress.

Despite the challenges, the NHRC acknowledged notable progress during the reporting period, including the enactment of the Special Accountability (TRRC) Mechanism Act 2024, the Special Prosecutor’s Office Act 2024, and the operationalisation of the Reparations Commission. These steps, the Commission said, represent “a great step towards fulfilling justice, accountability and reparative measures for victims.”

However, it cautioned that the “slow pace of implementation” has fuelled growing perceptions of limited political will to fully execute the White Paper, especially regarding justice, reconciliation, and institutional reforms.

To address these concerns, the NHRC urged the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly to allocate adequate funds for the timely execution of the Implementation Plan. It also called for expedited justice and security sector reforms, stronger coordination under the Ministry of Justice, and sustained awareness campaigns to keep victims and the public informed.

“The Government should explore all domestic and international accountability options to ensure alleged perpetrators are investigated and held accountable,” the NHRC recommended, reaffirming its commitment to monitor progress and advocate for a victim-centred transitional justice process.