By: Kemo Kanyi
The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission has called on the Government of The Gambia to provide adequate protection for refugees and stateless persons within its borders.
Emmanuel Joof issued this call during the stakeholders’ meeting on Gambia’s pledges on local integration of refugees at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on Monday.
He recalled that in the 2023 high-level convergence in Geneva, focusing on local integration of protracted refugees and eradicating statelessness, The Gambia committed to ensuring every individual within its borders enjoys the rights they’re entitled.
He stated that a recent UNHCR report revealed that over 100,000,000 individuals are displaced globally due to persecution, conflict, and human rights violations, adding that among them are stateless persons devoid of any nationality and basic rights that come with citizenship. He pointed out that thestateless persons endure challenges of rights violations in various forms.
“Being stateless has serious implications including but not limited to the right to access to education, healthcare, employment, ability to move freely and voting rights,” said Mr. Joof.
He stated that stateless persons are also at a high risk of exploitation and abuse as their rights of legal recognition often lead them to be invisible by the state and vulnerable to discrimination.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that everyone has a right to nationality, and no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality.
“Stateless persons and refugees continue to face challenges that prevent them from enjoying the full range of human rights,leading to gross marginalization and poverty that can persist across generations,” Mr Joof pointed out.
“The Gambia pledges to address the challenges faced by refugees and stateless persons within its borders, which aligns with the global campaign of “I Belong,” which aims to end statelessness by 2024. The Gambia’s commitment was centered on two main areas, which are to localize the integration of protracted refugees and prevention and resolution of statelessness. These pledges should not only be symbolic but should be followed by concrete actions,” he underlined.
Joof challenged the Ministries of Justice and Interior to spearhead the implementation of the policies.
