Gambiaj.com—(BANJUL, The Gambia)— A public disagreement has emerged between The Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) over the rights of students to participate in peaceful protests, following a recent anti-corruption demonstration organized by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).

In a press release issued on July 31, MoBSE expressed concern after students, notably from Gambia Senior Secondary School (GSSS), were seen participating in the protest while in school uniform.

The ministry emphasized its “paramount responsibility to safeguard the safety, well-being, and interests of all students,” adding that it “strongly disapproves the participation of schoolchildren in any protest organized by an individual or group on matters that do not relate to educational service delivery.”

MoBSE called on school authorities, parents, guardians, and communities to ensure children are guided and protected during public events, citing The Gambia’s Children’s Act of 2005 and the national education policy.

However, the EFSCRJ swiftly responded with a statement on August 1 criticizing the ministry’s stance. The human rights organization defended the right of children to participate in peaceful protests, citing both national and international legal instruments.

“Children have the right to participate in peaceful protests,” the EFSCRJ said, pointing to Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, as well as Section 17 of the Children’s Act, which affirms children’s right to express their opinions and be heard.

The group also cited regional and international instruments, including Article 8 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Article 15 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all of which recognize the rights of children to peaceful assembly.

EFSCRJ emphasized that participation in protests can foster civic engagement, critical thinking, and agency in children, while also helping them become responsible, active citizens.

The organization urged MoBSE to integrate human rights education into school curricula and engage with the National Human Rights Commission to better understand children’s rights.

While acknowledging the need to protect children’s safety, the Centre argued that the GALA protest, which focused on corruption—a matter that affects education and public services—was directly relevant to the lives of young people.

“We urge MoBSE to reconsider its position and instead help ensure that children’s participation in public life is safe, informed, and aligned with their best interests,” the statement concluded.

The debate comes amid rising youth activism and growing calls for transparency and accountability across the country.