By Sarjo M. Camara
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and partners joined the rest of the world in commemorating Children’s Day 2024. The celebration took place at the McCarthy Square on the 20th of November on the theme, ‘Celebrating Childhood, Listen to the Future’. World Children’s Day is commemorated to raise awareness on issues affecting children, encourage governments, Civil Society Organisations, UN bodies, communities and individuals to recommit to upholding the rights of children as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The day offers children the platform to voice out their opinions, dreams and aspirations for a better world, and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of children in all spheres of life.
Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Minister, Fatou Kinteh, the Permanent Secretary Roheyatou Kah reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and to the protection and promotion of the welfare of children as enshrined in the CRC, and the SDGs. “In spite of all the challenges, the Government remains steadfast in ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This means providing quality education, safeguarding their health, and protecting their rights to live in a nurturing and safe environment,” she said.
She assured that with support from development partners such as UNICEF, the Ministry will continue to review legislations and policies aimed at protecting children’s rights, and welfare of children. “Particular focus will be on the Children’s Act of 2005 is a key piece of legislation that aligns with international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child provides a legal basis for ensuring that children are protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” she noted.
Madam Kah therefore called on all government institutions, CSOs, child protection actors and development partners to galvanise resources, and adopt innovative ways of collaborating to make maximum output for the fulfillment of their shared mandate, and to create a better future for Gambian children. Ms. Nafisa Shafique, the UNICEF Country Representative in The Gambia had this to say: “This year’s commemoration is a golden one. It is the 35th birthday of something super important – the UnitedNations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This is not just fancy group of words. It is is a promise made by all the leaders in the world to protect and care for every one of you, no matter where you are from or what your dreams are”.
The Executive Director of Child Fund, The Gambia, Musu Kuta Koma said the theme reminds all duty bearers to ensure that children are protected, and encourages parents to listen to children. Lamenting the violence against children, the Child Fund boss remarked: “The scale and gravity of violence against children in country calls for immediate and concerted actions by the United Nations, the state, donors, researchers, and CSOs for all of us to meet our obligations for children are protected of harm”.
