The purpose of Victim Townhall meetings
Victim Townhall meetings were created under the Government Implementation Plan as direct engagement spaces across the nation.
Unlike formal press conferences, Townhalls allow affected community members to question institutional representatives directly, share lived experiences, and demand transparency regarding TRRC recommendations.
“Townhalls bridge the gap between policy documents in Banjul and the lived realities of victims across every region.”
Key issues brought forward by affected communities
Sessions frequently address pressing concerns including access to specialised medical treatment for torture survivors, psychological counselling for families of the disappeared, and inquiries regarding reparations disbursement timelines.
Survivors also emphasize the necessity of witness protection and guarantees of non-recurrence in regional administrative governance.
Communicating feedback to implementing institutions
Feedback from Townhalls does not evaporate when the meeting adjourns. The Post-TRRC Unit documents recommendations, formats them into structured feedback reports, and presents them before the inter-ministerial Steering Committee.
This feedback loop ensures that policy makers remain informed by empirical community realities rather than theoretical assumptions.