By Lamin Sanyang
The Barrow administration was tasked by the United Nations Peacebuilding Support office to facilitate a nationally owned transitional justice mechanism to engender sustainability.
Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding Support who is currently on a two day visit to The Gambia told journalist that the key focus of the mission is to discuss the details of the initial support to be provided by the UN, based on recommendations of previous missions including the recent ones in the country.
“The support to an inclusive consultative process to facilitate a nationally owned transitional justice mechanism to engender sustainability was highlighted,” Mr. Oscar Fernandez- Taranco said.
Mr. Fernandez said the process could be initiated with key stakeholders meeting with participation of national and international experts on transitional justice. He underlined the importance of an inclusive process based on country wide consultations.
He disclosed the discussions held to support the justice sector particularly capacity building of the judiciary system.
“Strengthening of the justice sector will be a key element for strengthening the rule of law in the country and ensuring justice service delivery in accordance with international and regional standards, including crimes committed in the past,” he pointed out.
UN Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding highlighted security sector reforms, saying the UN assistance on security sector reform will include comprehensive assessment of the security sector covering all security and defense institutions. He explained the establishment of an Independent National Human Rights Institution NHRI as key oversight mechanism.
“The importance of building bridges between political, security, human rights and development interventions was stressed and the inclusion of Peacebuilding elements in the national development plan,” he asserted.
He further urged the need to identify a coordination mechanism for the assistance provided by international partners to The Gambia, adding that the UN supported similar coordinating efforts in other countries in the sub-region.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Cho Tae-yul, explained that the UN Peacebuilding Commission could contribute to efforts aimed at sustaining international engagement to supporting The Gambia’s peacebuilding priorities. He stressed the importance of the Peacebuilding Commission’s convening role, a platform that can mobilize deeper commitment and partnership between national stakeholders.
