He urged increased monitoring and implementation of the Minimum Standard of Care for Residential Child Facilities.
Speaking at the Launching Ceremony and Steering Committee Meeting of PAPEV Phase II, Mr. Joof, underscored the “urgent need” for “accountability and action” in addressing the persistent challenges children face in The Gambia.
Joof acknowledged the existence of robust legal frameworks in the country, citing the 1997 Constitution and the Children's Act of 2005 as evidence. However, he pointed out that despite these legal provisions, children, especially the girl child, continue to be at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, violence, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
"The Gambia currently has adequate laws and a satisfactory legal framework protecting the rights of children," he said, while citing the ongoing challenges. He cited instances of FGM, child labour, limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and the non-operationalisation of the Persons With Disability Act 2021, leaving children with disabilities behind.
Despite the government's efforts to address child trafficking and exploitation, Joof emphasised the necessity for effective implementation of existing laws.
"There must be consequences for those who violate the rights of children," he noted, emphasising the need for accountability among those tasked with protecting children's rights.
The NHRC chair commended the government for recent initiatives, such as the stakeholder dialogue on Koranic Memorisation Centres and the integration of Islamic education into the national system. However, he called for more substantial efforts to improve access to quality education, especially for foundational literacy and numeracy, and to protect children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
"It is the responsibility of the state to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of children," expressing hope for collective action to create a Gambia where every child enjoys their fundamental rights and freedoms.”
The NHRC chairperson made a renewed call for concerted efforts to address the challenges children face in the country.
