By: Nyima Sillah
Gambia Food and Nutrition Association GAFNA in collaboration with UNHCR on Tuesday, 20th June 2023, commemorated World Refugee Day at GAFNA headquarters in Banjul.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is Solution for Refugees and The Power of Inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Alagie Joof, on behalf of the Executive Director of GAFNA said the commemoration of World Refugee Day demonstrated the strong bone of partnership and support that exist between UNHCR and other development partners in the drive to make refuges in the country feel at home.
“It is evident that the majority of these refugees are faced with enormous challenges ranging from livelihood, health, social protection, and so forth after departing their countries of origin in emergencies.
“It is against this backdrop that GAFNA as a national development NGO built a partnership with UNHCR to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers to reduce their vulnerability and improve their socio-economic status as they continue to live in the Gambia,” he explained.
GAFNA, he said, has adopted a strategy that will enable them to find solutions for refugees, hence will enhance and demonstrate their power of inclusion as they continue to live in this country.
The Commissioner of Gambia Refugees Commission, Famara Fadera, said, “Refugees bring a wealth of skills, experience, and a willingness to contribute to their new communities. We know that refugees’ participation in decision-making helps build confidence in exercising basic rights and fostering a sense of belonging and trust in host communities.”
He assured that the Commission and its governing board would continue to provide security to refugees and other persons of concern to make sure that justice is done in assessing the credibility of their applications.
Commissioner Fadera, therefore, urged all refugees and other persons of concern to respect the law and to desist from any activity which may disrepute their status as refugees in the Gambia.
Bai Mboob, on behalf of the Director General of Immigration, showed the commitment of the immigration department and assured of their continuous support together with relevant authorities to provide services to refugees where needed.
PS, Ministry of Interior, Assan Tankara, emphasized the importance of the day, noting the Gambia is committed to ensuring that those who have sought refuge in this country have access to the lifesaving assistance they deserve, including healthcare and other opportunities to pursue their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Lassy Samson, on behalf of the refugees, seeks support for the education of their children and their traveling documents, adding they cannot accept relying on Dakar for all their needs.
