The Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to refugee protection, social inclusion and durable solutions for displaced persons.
Minister Sanyang was speaking at the 77th Session of the High-Level Segment of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Addressing delegates and international partners, he underscored the importance of global solidarity, shared responsibility and strengthened partnerships in tackling forced displacement. He urged parties to conflicts worldwide to embrace dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that sustainable peace remains the most effective solution to displacement.
Highlighting The Gambia’s inclusive approach, the Minister noted that refugees are integrated into host communities rather than confined to camps, sharing public services and opportunities. This model, he explained, fosters peaceful coexistence, social cohesion and mutual understanding.
Currently, The Gambia hosts 4,218 refugees and 557 asylum seekers from over 20 countries. Minister Sanyang emphasized the importance of documentation and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, legal assistance and financial services. He revealed that the government is exploring legal avenues to simplify naturalization procedures for refugees seeking local integration, while safeguarding data protection.
On statelessness, the Minister reported that a national assessment in Ghana Town, directed by President Adama Barrow and supported by UNHCR, identified individuals, including women and children, who may lack recognized nationality. The government remains committed to addressing their status through legal processes.
He further disclosed that The Gambia is reviewing its Refugee Act to strengthen protection standards, improve socio-economic inclusion, facilitate naturalization pathways, enhance birth registration, and introduce provisions on statelessness determination and undocumented children.
Acknowledging support from ECOWAS and UNHCR, Minister Sanyang highlighted recent humanitarian interventions, including cash assistance to 340 refugees, the establishment of vegetable gardens and a community water borehole to improve livelihoods and access to clean water.
Reaffirming The Gambia’s commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, he noted ongoing training for immigration officers and border officials to ensure compliance with international protection standards.
Minister Sanyang expressed gratitude to UNHCR’s Regional Office in Dakar for its continued financial and technical support, commending the dedication of its personnel.
The Gambia’s participation in the session, he concluded, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting human dignity, promoting inclusion and working with international and regional partners to ensure refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons receive the protection and support they deserve.
