UNICEF, Gambia commemorate 30th anniversary of CRC
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with The Gambia Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Wednesday commemorated 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at UN house in Bakau, 15km outside the capital, official sources told PANA here.
In The Gambia, the CRC was ratified by the government on August 3, 1990, and subsequently in 2005 the Children’s Act was passed into law.
The convention on the rights of the child (CRC) is the most ratified human rights treaty in history.
Gambians children across the country have had a consultation and will be presenting it to the National Assembly through the Children’s Assembly as declaration from children on “The Gambia We Want”to take place on November 23.
In the 30years since its adoption, the convention on the rights of children has transformed children’s lives, with the government investing in children’s health to ensure every child survives and thrives.
Ms. Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF representative, said the fundamental mission of UNICEF was to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization did.
She pointed out that the CRC was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and came into force on September2, 1990.
“Today, we celebrate 30 years of the convention and a better world for children; we are proud to work with the government of The Gambia and partners to deliver for all children a better country that supports all child rights,” she said at a press conference here Wednesday.
Ms. Lattouf explained that the creation of the ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare and the Children’s National Assembly of the Gambia brought so much hope for children of this country, adding that “children are finding their voice, speaking out against violations and standing up for their rights”.
“Let’s bridge the equality gap between the rural and the urban areas, let’s make sure that the child in Fatoto, Upper River Region has equal chance and facilities to pursue their dreams as their peers in Banjul,” she urged.
Kajali Sonko, on behalf of the Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare, said after 30 years of convention, a lot of things had been committed by the government of The Gambia.
“We also develop national child protection strategic which is being implemented. We will call on all stakeholders to take actions that promote, protect, respect and fulfill children’s rights in The Gambia, so that for every right is fulfilled,” he said.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 20Nov2019
