This report advocates for strategic litigation as a tool to enhance access to justice and reparations for women victims of human rights violations in The Gambia.
Following the 22-year dictatorship of former President Yahya Jammeh, marked by severe human rights abuses such as torture, enforced disappearances, illegal detention, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), The Gambia embarked on a transitional justice process. Key institutions established included a Financial Commission of Inquiry into Jammeh’s dealings, Security Sector Reform mechanisms, a Constitutional Review Commission, and the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
During its hearings, the TRRC heard testimonies from 392 witnesses, including 69 women. While the TRRC played a vital role in uncovering the regime’s atrocities and offering financial and psychosocial support to victims, the limited participation of women left many of their experiences unacknowledged.
The TRRC’s final report and recommendations were submitted to the government, which accepted most of them in a published White Paper. Post-TRRC mechanisms now provide opportunities for victims not previously involved to seek justice and reparations if they meet certain criteria. For women victims, who were underrepresented in the TRRC process, gender-focused strategic litigation offers a critical pathway to access justice and secure reparations.
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