According a press release from CPA, the incident has raised serious worries about the safety, welfare, and living conditions of children in such establishments.
“While, we await the full details and findings from the official investigation, CPA wishes to convey its solidarity with the affected children, families, and communities, and urges urgent action to safeguard the rights and lives of all children in both informal and formal learning institutions across the country.”
CPA thus stressed that all children, regardless of their educational pathway or religious background, are entitled to protection from harm, access to quality education, and safe living environments under both national and international law.
The child-rights advocacy group reminded that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which The Gambia is a State Party, guarantees every child’s right to life, survival, development, and protection.
“We therefore call on the authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the cause of the fire, and to take appropriate legal and protective action where negligence or abuse is identified; encourage the AMMANAH, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and local councils to expedite the mapping, regulation, and inspection of ‘Daaras’ and other informal education centres in accordance with national child protection policies and minimum standards and urge religious and community leaders to collaborate closely with child protection stakeholders in promoting children's rights, safety, and dignity in ‘Daaras’ and related institutions.”
The CPA also encouraged the public and media to report responsibly and to support efforts aimed at reforming and improving childcare and protection systems across the country.
The group, the release added, remains dedicated to collaborating with government authorities, development partners, civil society, and religious communities to ensure that no child is left behind, and that all learning environments—whether religious or secular—are safe, nurturing and protective.
