The Gambia has reaffirmed its political will and strong commitment to the implementation of the landmark Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) since its adoption in 2018, says the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Matar Ceesay.
Mr Ceesay restated this position in a statement he delivered on 10 December this year at the 2nd International Conference on Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling.
The full statement of PS Ceesay reads:
Excellency Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Honourable Ministers from Partner Countries, European Commissioners, Heads of delegation,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
Please allow me to kindly convey felicitations and warm regards from the People of The Republic of The Gambia and that of the Minister of Interior Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang. The Gambia acknowledges and appreciates the good work embodied in the commitment, dedication and selfless service to the Global Alliance on counter migrant smuggling.
The International Conference on Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling is very timely and necessary. It must be agreed that continued dialogue on migration is essential to fostering political discussions, enhancing inter-state dialogue and building mutual trust.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The Government of The Republic of The Gambia reaffirms its political will and strong commitment to the implementation of the landmark Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) since its adoption in 2018.
The Gambia is equally aware of the enormous challenges associated with irregular migration, including the immeasurable human and social cost to the country as our young people become victims of human rights violations, exploitation and abuse, including trauma, in their deadly journeys.
Over the past few years, our country’s efforts to combat the scourge of migrant smuggling have gained momentum and are being scaled-up. However, while recognizing our collective efforts to address migrant smuggling, the risk of more people falling prey to the lure of smugglers has been on the increase through the use of social media, other online medium and the significant reduction of attainable legal migration pathways at home.
Therefore, the vigilant monitoring of social media platforms, prosecution and conviction of migrant smugglers while engaging partners to open legal pathways for the movement of people will go a long way to reduce the irregular migration and save the lives of our youth. Recently, an immigration bill was tabled by the Gambian Government in cabinet to expedite the creation of a digital ID card database and stringent measures on prosecution of cases with stricter penalties. The Gambia also remains committed to undertaking all necessary actions to providing job opportunities for our young people, as well as create an enabling environment to addressing the root causes of irregular migration in The Gambia.
Over the past years, we registered milestones in migration governance, including the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration, the formulation and launch of the National Migration Policy, the design of the National Referral Mechanism for the Protection and Assistance of Vulnerable Migrants, including Victims of smuggling and trafficking, and the installation of Border Management Information Systems at key land border crossing points with support from the International Organization on Migration (IOM). This year we saw a 30% increase in the number of interceptions of irregular migration at sea, resulting in the rescue of 2,358 migrants.
Given the Gambia’s strategic geographical location in West Africa, it is strategically imperative to foster cooperation with neighbouring countries and international bodies to improve border management in line with standard protection norms. Early warning systems, maritime coordination, and rescue capacities have been strengthened to mitigate risks to migrants.
Finally, the Republic of The Gambia calls for greater international cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility in combatting irregular migration. The government stands ready to continue working closely with our bilateral and multilateral partners as well as the civil society to ensure guaranteed protection and dignity for all persons of concern.
Thank you.
