In most conflict zones, people flee in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. It is also important to highlight here that since the 1990s, the number of conflict zones have risen, resulting in not only internal displacement, but to some extent tens of thousands of people fleeing.
Annually, June 20th is commemorated World Refugee Day; a day dedicated to galvanising support and showing solidarity with tens of thousands of people, who are fleeing wars and conflicts.
In light of this, the Gambia joined the global community in marking the event last week, with a ceremony hosted in Sibanor to observe World Refugee Day.
The day not only created a platform to take stock of the challenges many are going through, but it also highlighted the need for people to openly welcome those fleeing wars and conflicts. It also reminds us all that displacement does not strip individuals of their dreams, talents, or humanity, as refugees can be teachers, doctors, farmers, engineers, and parents, just like those whose lives have been disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
The theme for this year’s event - "Solidarity with Refugees." calls for renewed show of solidarity and love to the refugee community in The Gambia.
According to officials, current statistics reveal that the country is hosting more than 4,000 refugees, mainly fleeing conflicts in the Southern Senegalese Province of Cassamance and other war-torn regions.
We cannot but commend the efforts of The Gambia Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, GAFNA and all other stakeholders for their commitment to upholding dignity, compassion, and protection for those forced to flee.
Amid growing challenges in accessing healthcare, education, documentation and employment, let’s always remember that refugees are part and parcel and one and same. There is a need to create an enabling environment for them to harness their full potential and ensure their safe integration and inclusion into our society.
Equally, we commend the communities in the Fonis, who for many years opened their doors to the refugees to make their stay possible. Their solidarity and love over past years has not only instilled hope to these fleeing groups, but has also given them courage and optimism that their safety is guaranteed in the country.
However, each time people speak about refugees, what comes to mind is the support extended to them by the government and partners. Little do we reason that refugees also make significant contributions to national development ; some fill labor shortages, start businesses, pay taxes, and bring diverse skills and perspectives, enriching the cultural landscape. Isn’t this great?
To the host communities, let’s always show empathy, solidarity and be accommodating to them to make them feel at home.
The Gambia is known for welcoming people from different countries around the sub-region. And this was amply manifested during the late 1990s when the country played host to a good number of refugees fleeing both the Liberia and Sierra Leone conflicts.
In fact, most of these people lived in the country before relocating to other areas, while some continue to live here and are even married to Gambians.
As rightly stated by the deputy governor of West Coast Region at the event, welcoming the world of refugees reminds us all that displacement does not strip individuals of their dreams, talents, or humanity, as refugees can be teachers, doctors, farmers, engineers, and parents, just like those whose lives have been disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.