Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to strengthening child protection measures, describing the welfare of minors, especially girls and young women, as a national priority that lawmakers “will continue to treat with utmost seriousness.”
He delivered the assurance on Wednesday at the National Assembly in Banjul during an audience with Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, who is in The Gambia for a series of high-level engagements.
Dr. M’jid was accompanied by a UNICEF delegation led by Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique, the organisation’s Representative to The Gambia.
Their courtesy call centered on deepening collaboration between the UN system and the National Assembly, with discussions focusing on oversight responsibilities, existing policy interventions, and avenues to further strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks protecting vulnerable children.
Speaker Jatta emphasized Parliament’s readiness to intensify its legislative and oversight role, noting that safeguarding children’s rights is essential to national development. He highlighted ongoing efforts to support policy reforms and ensure that institutions tasked with child protection are empowered to act effectively.
Dr. M’jid, for her part, stressed that meaningful child protection requires a coordinated national approach.
She noted that violence against children cuts across multiple sectors, including health, education, justice, and social services, and urged lawmakers to use their constitutional mandate not only to enact progressive laws but also to ensure consistent enforcement, monitoring, and sustainable financing.
She encouraged the National Assembly to champion integrated strategies that link policymakers, service providers, and communities, warning that fragmented responses leave children exposed to preventable harm.
Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation as The Gambia continues to advance reforms aimed at creating a safer environment for all children.
