Despite many gaps and challenges remaining in Gambia’s child protection, child survival and development, the country has taken enviable strides to improve the welfare of children through legislation and development of child-friendly policies, the National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia said on Wednesday.
In a statement marking the Day of the African Child, the Commission noted that infant mortality, maternal mortality and morbidity, lack of education among girls, child abuse and sexual exploitation, harmful social and cultural practices, child marriage, child labour and physical abuse remain some of the conditions that blight the lives of Gambian children.
This year’s commemoration is focused on “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.
The NHRC stated that it is confident the Government and stakeholders can do better and more for children.
It is an urgent call for government to accelerate its efforts in the realization of the rights of children stipulated in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, a regional legal instrument which the Gambia ratified since 2000.
The Commission observed that the agenda 2040 which advocates an ‘Africa fit for children’ can only be achieved when the rights of children, the most vulnerable members of society, are respected, protected and fulfilled.
“The NHRC calls on the Government, as the primary duty bearer, as well as, development partners, civil society, parents and all other stakeholders to reflect on what this means for children in The Gambia in the context of child rights protection and fulfilment for the country we want to hand on to our children,” the statement said.