By: Mariama Njie
United Nation International Child Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with government of The Gambia and partners has Wednesday validated Situation Analysis of children and adolescents document in The Gambia.
The meeting which was held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference center brought together members from UNICEF, UN country representative, government officials and other stakeholders.
Gordon Jonathan Lewis, UNICEF Representative in The Gambia said the document was developed following a nationwide consultation with partners including government, civil society, children and young people who looks at the state of children in The Gambia, the protection and fulfillment of their rights.
“It is an important part of the development of UNICEF’s country program document 2023- 2027,” he added.
Jonathan went on saying that the situation analysis of children and adolescents document is a strategic cooperation document between UNICEF and government of The Gambia to ensure fulfillment of children’s rights and UN sustainable development cooperation framework.
Meanwhile, Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia described the meeting as key saying it is important for the UNICEF but equally important for the UN whole body.
“It is a great milestone for developing UNICEF country program document and interlink to the things we do here in The Gambia, which is why I’m here to express my appreciation,” she said.
The validation is timely because the situation and analysis of children and adolescents in the Gambia is a key contribution to the country sustainable development framework, she noted.
More so, she urged participants to partner with all stakeholders in The Gambia as they are all critical in this process.
Honorable Noah Touray, Secretary General and Head of Civil Society said children and women are the most important asset in any developing nation, that the situation analysis plan will address so many issues in the lives of children and adolescents in The Gambia.
“The Gambia has achieved remarkable progress improving health and nutrition standards of children and adolescents,” he added.
He therefore commended UNICEF, government of the Gambia and partners for the great milestone.