- At Intern’l Migration Forum 2022 in New York
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Mrs. Saffie Sankareh Farage on Thursday, 19th May 2022 delivered a statement at the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2022 plenary, and general debate at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York.
The International Migration Review Forum serves as the primary intergovernmental global platform to discuss and share progress on the implementation of all aspects of the landmark Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) since its adoption 3 years ago.
This year’s forum is the maiden edition of the IMRF and it shall take place every four years.
In her speech, PS Sankareh Farage told the global audience that The Gambia fully recognises the inextricable linkages between migration and development, including its potential as a key driver for improving the lives and livelihoods of Gambians and the socio-economic development of our country.
“We are equally aware of the enormous challenges associated with irregular migration, including the immeasurable human and social cost to the country as our young people become victims of human rights violations, exploitation and abuse, including psychosocial trauma, in their journeys,” she said, adding that they also encounter a lot of difficulties in accessing services to address their needs.
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She assured that Gambia Government is committed to continue to evaluate its policies on the basis of the progress made in addressing these challenges with a view to maximizing the opportunities migration offers through the implementation of GCM.
Highlighting progress made in migration governance, the Permanent Secretary mentioned the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM), the formulation and launch of the National Migration Policy, the design of the National Referral Mechanism for the Protection and Assistance of Vulnerable Migrants, including Victims of Trafficking in June 2021, the installation of a Border Management Information System at the Immigration Head Quarters and key land border crossing points, the development of the Labor Migration Strategy, Diaspora Strategy, establishment of a Diaspora and Migration Directorate at MOFA and launch of Diaspora Development Fund.
She explained that these are examples of their promoting a whole-of-government and society-approach to migration governance.
Madam Sankareh Farage also indicated that the country’s efforts to combat the scourge of trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling have gained momentum and are being scaled-up.
She assured of government’s commitment to provide job opportunities and the enabling job creation environment for young people, with a view to addressing the root causes of irregular migration in The Gambia.
She mentioned support given to institutions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports; such as the National Youth Council, The NYSS, The President International Awards Scheme, the National Sports Council and National Enterprise Development Initiative to facilitate the development of the young people.
To address misconceptions and misinformation around issues of migration, the PS said government has come up with a migration communication strategy to ensure clear and transparent communication, information-sharing and sensitization. The strategy, she noted, is to bring about consistency, and synergy in migration information dissemination.
She thanked IOM and other UN partners for the continued partnership and support to the government of The Gambia in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.