The event held at Metzy Hotel, was on the theme- ‘change the narrative on migration.’
The event was held with a view to changing the narrative on migration in The Gambia from that of fear, division, and exclusion to that of hope, inclusion.
It is a change that sought to have been seen through discussion by participants and enlightenment of participants.
Also, for further awareness, screen play of a film about migration was displayed to show the evil, discrimination and prejudice that migrants, returnees in particular, face in society.
Dr. Desta Tiruneh, WHO Country Representative, on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator, said for The Gambia, safe migration and the protection of migrants is of direct concern.
“Being a country of destination and origin, it is increasingly becoming a country of transit and return of migrants. Gambian nationals rank high amongst migrants undertaking the Central Mediterranean route from Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly Libya and Tunisia, en route to Italy.”
The patterns of migration, he added, indicate that many young Gambians are willing to risk their lives and resources to undertake the perilous journey across the desert to the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
“With hope of finding greener pastures, most of them become trapped in the web of migration regulations of their countries of transit and destination. Feeling compelled to take dangerous routes and recur to ways to cross borders in irregular ways.”
Isatou Cham, head of Communications on behalf of the NHRC chairman, explained that these migrants often put their lives at risk when they embark on irregular routes where they encounter several violations of their rights including abuse and sexual assault.
“Earlier this year, the NHRC led investigations into female returnees from Lebanon. The stories of these women are far from the lives they imagined beyond the borders of this country. Through the investigation, NHRC realised the importance of addressing irregular migration and protecting the rights of migrants through multi-sectoral approach. We all have an important role to play as we work towards ensuring safe and regular migration as a fundamental human right,” she stated.
The International Migrants Day, which was celebrated recently, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 21 years ago, on 4th December 2000 to be precise, requires states to respect, protect and fulfill fundamental and basic rights of migrants at all times, regardless of status.
