The workshop aimed to review and adopt the first PAPEV Phase II work plan.
The PAPEV Project seeks to support the governments of The Gambia to strengthen national child protection systems.
The project is financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation through the Office of The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and a grant to the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre to support and strengthen reception services for Children Victims of Human Rights Violations.
The PAPEV phase II seeks to define priorities and strengthen the national child protection system in the country.
The PAPEV Phase I supported reforms efforts in child protection, access to knowledge, strengthening of child protection service delivery, and the strengthening of the skills of care workers.
In her remarks, Aminata Kebe, regional coordinator of PAPEV said the importance of the PAPEV Phase II cannot be over emphasised.
She said that the project focuses on inclusion of vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities and mobilisation and capacity to strengthen grass roots actors.
She added that it marks a turning point in their commitment to support the advancement of children’s right in The Gambia.
Lamin Jawo, speaker of the Children Parliament said the population of children in The Gambia should not only be used in data analysis.
“Child rights are not merely words written on papers but foundations upon which a brighter and fairer future is built. Our Nation’s hopes, voices and dreams are encapsulated within these rights,” he said.
He welcomed the PAPEV Phase II as a means of a collective duty to make sure rights are promoted and protected.
“We hope this meeting serves as a beacon of hope and collaboration, illuminating the path toward a future where the rights of children are not just acknowledged but actively protected and celebrated,” he added.
Representing the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Jankoba Jabbi, director of Social Welfare said child protection is everybody’s business.
“The Ministry will continue to encourage this multi-sectoral collaboration as we continue to work together to push forward the agenda of child protection,” he added.
He said one of the greatest resources of the nation is its children, adding that the government is taking an uncompromised stance in combating violence against children.
He further said that the government is committed to protecting the well-being of children in The Gambia.
“Our children need us to accompany them to stand solidly and access platforms that will amplify their voices on issues that affect them,” he also said.
He said there is a need to review and reform the legislature that will promote and protect the rights of children in the country.
“Now more than ever, we need to take our stance in the holistic implementation of policies and programs for children and young people,” he further said.
“The Ministry will continue to stand strongly behind you as you go beyond the validation of the work plan to the implementation of the planned activities for 2024,” he said.
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