By: Mariama Njie
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with The Gambia Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Wednesday commemorate the 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at UN House in Bakau,
In the Gambia, the CRC was ratified by the government on August 3, 1990 and subsequently, in 2005 the children’s Act was passed into law.
The convention on the rights of the child (CRC) is the most ratified human rights treaty in history.
PANA report that Gambians children across the country have had a consultation and will be presenting it to the National Assembly through the Children’s Assembly as declaration from children on “The Gambia We Want”, and will take place on the November 23, 2019.
However, in the 30years since its adoption the convention on the rights of the children has transformed children’s lives, also the government has invested in children’s health to ensure every child survives and thrives.
Ms. Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF country representative, said that the fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does.
She pointed out that, the CRC was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and came into force on September2, 1990.
“Today, we celebrate 30 years of the convention and a better world for children, we are proud to work with the government of The Gambia and partners to deliver for all children a better country that supports all child right”, she at a press conference on Wednesday.
Ms. Lattouf explained that, the creation of the ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare and the Children’s National Assembly of the Gambia brings so much hope for children of this country, adding that “children are finding their voice, speaking out against violations and standing up for their rights”.
“Let’s bridge the equality gap between the rural and the urban areas, let’s make sure that the child in Fatoto, Upper River Region has equal chance and facilities to pursue their dreams as their peers in Banjul”, she urged.
Kajali Sonko, on behalf of the Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare, said after 30 years of convention a lot of things have been committed by the government of The Gambia.
“We also develop national child protection strategic which is been implemented.
“We will call on all stakeholders to take actions that promote, protect, respect and fulfill children’s rights in The Gambia, so that for every right is fulfilled”, he said