The law-week is a customary event observed annually by the executive councils of the institution, as it serves as an incubator for intellectual ferment and societal enlightenment. The event was held on the theme; ‘Advocacy for the Enactment of Smuggling of Migrants Bill.’
The activity was held in a form of sponsored walk, community outreach initiatives, cultural day festivities, which culminate in the grandeur of the Law Day.
Speaking at the main event, Hon. Justice Kumba Sillah, acknowledged that these young people are inundated with the hopes for travelling abroad for greener pasture and for better living.
“The African region has recently experienced massive flow of her energetic young people to Europe in the name of making wealth and virtually has caused so much negative effect on the society we live. Young people are the force behind any positive societal development and if they take risk which has the potential to claim their lives, then that’s threatening.” she said.
She revealed that in each of ‘our societies now’, there is at least one life lost in the attempt to reach the western world and these young people are mostly the bread winners of their families and the society relies on them for community led initiatives and its related activities.
“Irregular migration has equally affected our farming sector especially in the provincial Gambia where farming is always at high gear among its occupants and clearly in every community you visit is fully occupied by the young people and they are the most active age groups in those communities and the active part of farming is done by them. But now this is nearly impossible in our communities due to searching greener pasture in Europe and better living condition therefore, abandoning the farming sector to the old aged.”
Prof. Olaolu S. Opadere, Deen of UTG Law School, disclosed that as law practitioners they are the pioneers of implementing the laws and they should therefore, be the lead advocates in combating irregular migration.
“Lawyers and law students should take the lead in the fight against irregular migration, raising awareness to communities in realising their rights and know how to not fall victims of irregular migration and human trafficking.”
Sisawo Cham, president of LSA, pointed out that as they aspire to become legal practitioners in the near future, it important for them to remind themselves that the day’s cerebration serves as a unique opportunity of the critical role they can play in shaping ‘our society for a better Gambia.’
“We are expected to be role models by adopting reputable character and always stand for the truth as this will prepare us for the future practice. Legal profession is noble and law students and are expected to exercise dignity in all their engagements. As a faculty-based association, we feel obliged to contribute our quota in complementing government’s efforts in ensuring law and order is preserved in our beloved country.”
“I would like to renew our commitment in addressing our perennial problems associated to irregular migration.” he concluded.
Fatou Geo Barry, UNODC PROMIS Project Coordinator, called on stakeholders to hasten the enactment of the Smuggling of Migrants Bill so as to assist in the fight against irregular migration.
She assured of their commitment and support to initiatives that relate to the fight against irregular migration.
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