Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-20 07:57:21
During the first bilateral meeting between President Barrow and UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique at the State House in Banjul, President Barrow expressed his appreciation for UNICEF’s support in various development areas such as education, health, and others. The meeting focused on important issues including child rights, education, the well-being of girls, and the repeal of the FGM law.
President Barrow commended Ms. Shafique on her recent appointment and thanked UNICEF for their assistance in education, health, water, and sanitation in the country. He emphasized the importance of supporting youth to prepare them for the future, highlighting that education and skills development are essential for empowering them.
Ms. Shafique, speaking to the press after the meeting, expressed optimism about the outcomes and pledged to uphold the rights of every child, particularly girls and women who are advocating for their rights. She discussed the commitment to advancing The Gambia and ensuring its success. She also raised concerns about the attempts to repeal the Women’s Act, which prohibits FGM in the country.
In response to concerns about repealing the Anti-FGM Act, President Barrow highlighted the importance of democracy and the right of individuals to express themselves. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the FGM issue due to religious and cultural factors and emphasized the need to move forward diplomatically.
Ms. Shafique congratulated President Barrow on winning the African Peace Promoter Prize for 2024 and commended his leadership in promoting peace for children. She emphasized the importance of investing in The Gambia’s young population and raised concerns about the country’s failure to submit its periodic report on the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) for the last three years. She urged the government to submit the report promptly as UNICEF is collaborating on a new country program for adolescent development.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Barrow and Ms. Shafique highlighted the ongoing partnership between The Gambia and UNICEF to address critical issues such as education, health, and child rights. Both parties expressed their commitment to promoting the well-being of children and advancing the country’s development. The discussions also underscored the importance of upholding human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups like girls and women, and the need for ongoing collaboration to achieve positive outcomes for the youth in The Gambia.
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