1 in 10 children and young people are separated from their families, abandoned, neglected, or forced to live in an abusive environment, growing up without the support they need to prepare for themselves for their future.As the consultation on the review of The Gambia’s Children’s Act 2005 began,
SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia on Wednesday the 20th of October took part in the first round of consultations.
The Children’s Act of The Gambia came into force on the 23rd of June 2005 as an act of parliament. Since then, the act has not been reviewed to suit the current realities that children are facing in The Gambia.
We commend The Gambian government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare for priotizing the review of the Children’s Act 2005 which is overdue. A lot has changed when it comes to the situation of children during the past decade especially for children without adequate parental care and for those at risk of losing parental care.
We have also shared with the reviewing committee/team our views calling on the introduction of care options such as Foster Care, Small Group homes, and of cause, we have also highlighted the importance of financing Child Welfare in The Gambia which is of importance to wellbeing and protection of the children.
We will continue to advocate for and also call on the Government of The Gambia to uphold her responsibility when it comes to the protection and safeguarding of children in The Gambia.
