By Sarjo M. Camara
The Government of The Gambia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing children’s rights, protection and participation during the 2026 sitting of the Children’s National Assembly of The Gambia (CNAG).
The sitting was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on 7 August 2026 under the theme, “Investment, Accountability and Participation for Every Child.”
Delivering the opening statement, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou S. Kinteh, described the gathering as an important platform for reviewing progress on the Call to Action adopted by children and reaffirming the collective responsibility to safeguard their well-being.
“This theme reminds us that meaningful progress for children requires adequate investment, strong accountability mechanisms, and the active participation of children in decisions that affect their lives,” she said.
Minister Kinteh commended members of the CNAG, UNICEF, civil society organisations, development partners and community leaders for their continued efforts to promote and protect children’s rights.
She also praised Gambian children for speaking out on issues that affect their lives, noting that their voices are essential to building a safer and more inclusive future.
Highlighting government interventions, Minister Kinteh pointed to strengthened child protection systems, expanded community-based protection mechanisms, and improvements in policies and legislation aimed at safeguarding children.
She stressed the importance of disability inclusion, equal access to education and healthcare, and stronger social protection systems for vulnerable children.
The Minister also acknowledged concerns raised by children regarding climate change, emphasising the need to integrate children’s participation into national climate action initiatives.
“We must ensure that children are included in climate action and that vulnerable communities are protected from environmental challenges,” she said.
Looking ahead, Minister Kinteh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child-responsive planning and budgeting, improved coordination across sectors, and stronger collaboration with Parliament, civil society organisations, development partners and children themselves.
Encouraging the young members of the CNAG, she urged them to “participate confidently, debate respectfully, and bring forward innovative ideas that reflect the aspirations of children across our country.”
The 2026 CNAG sitting brought together government officials, lawmakers, UN agencies, civil society representatives, development partners and children.
The gathering marked another milestone in The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child participation and ensure that children’s rights remain central to national development, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no child is left behind.
