By: Kemo Kanyi
The stakeholders on refugees and statelessness have commenced a two-day review discussion on pledges made by The Gambia at the 2023 Geneva Convergence that aimed to give every individual an identified state or nation.
The meeting, spearheaded by the Gambia Commission of Refugees (GCR) in collaboration with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Ministries of Justice and Interior of The Gambia ended on Wednesday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba JawaraInternational Conference Centre.
The review sought to identify and address thechallenges faced as well as reviewing the successes made.
Commissioner Ebrima Manneh, head of Gambia Commission of Refugees, highlighted areas ofconsideration in Gambia’s quest to address the status of refugees and stateless individuals.
He invited the efforts of the National Human Rights Commission to address the needs and challenges endured by the SOS Children Village and the residents of Brufut Ghana Town.
He continued:
“The Gambia Commission for Refugees believes that the NHRC turns its attention to the plight of protected refugees in the country, particularly the families at SOS Children’s Village, many of whom face identity challenges due to issues on our citizenship and nationality laws. Additionally, inhabitants of Ghana Town, many of whom lack birth rights and relevant documentation despite living here for over three decades or more, face significant hardships due to the gaps we have in our laws. This situation has led to considerable frustration for these groups as they are denied access to basic social services of employment, health care, and other essentials.”
The Country Representative of the UNHCR,Muhammed Ali, praised Gambia’s commitment to local integration of refugees, durable solutions, and statelessness.
He recognised the importance of strengthening the asylum system for improved security within the region.
The UNHCR country rep. said The Gambia is knownworldwide for its solidarity.
“Gambia is currently receptive to 4,299 refugees predominantly Senegalese. I would like to acknowledge the steps taken by the government of The Gambia towards the enhancement of the asylum system, notably through the personalisation of the independent appeal body,” he stated.
Mr Alieu Jallow, representative from the Ministry of Justice and Abdourahman Mendy, deputy permanentsecretary at the Ministry of the Interior, have both promised their support towards the achievement of the pledges made by The Gambia in line with the international treaties.
