Banjul – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, facilitated the organization of the second consultation workshop (26/06) by The Gambia’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) on the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM). The event aimed at contributing to the debate on key thematic migration areas identified in November 2017, key among them being the protection of the safety, dignity and human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their migratory status, and at all times.

 “This event is an opportunity for The Gambia to acknowledge its responsibilities to address the needs and concerns of migration in the country and an overarching obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all migrants,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mrs Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje.

While one of the smaller countries in West Africa, The Gambia represents an important share of irregular migration to Europe from the region, with 11,929 arrivals in 2016, representing 6.6 % of the total number of arrivals and an increase of 41% compared to 2015.

“Not even the most powerful country is capable of managing migration on its own. The European Union is a staunch supporter of the process for a Global Compact on Migration and it is committed to making the GCM a success,” said Mr Darrell Sexstone, on behalf of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia.

“The development of the GCM must be developed through an open, transparent and inclusive process of consultations and negotiations and the effective participation of all the relevant stakeholders,” he added.

Representatives from various ministries and civil society organizations including the Gambia National Youth Council, United Purpose, Department of Community Development and the Gambia Police Force participated in the event.

This second national multi-stakeholder consultation workshop was organized thanks to the financial support of the European Union Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO).

For more information, please contact Marianna Bertelle, at IOM Gambia; Tel: +2202169647, Email: mbertelle@iom.int

Photo: Participants at the workshop during group work. Photo credit: IOM/Mariam Njai