The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with government yesterday launched The Gambia’s Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Progress Report.
The launching of the report was organized by IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
The validation meeting, held at the SDKJ Conference Centre, formed part of the country’s commitment to an inclusive, consultative and evidence-based approach to migration governance, in line with the Global Compact for Migration.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Yadicone Eribo, Chairperson of The Association of Non-Governmental Organization (TANGO), says the meeting reflects The Gambia’s progress in implementing the global framework.
She noted that the country’s designation as a GCM champion in 2022 demonstrated its commitment to promoting a human rights-based and development-oriented migration system. She added that The Gambia has since shared its experiences at international platforms, including the International Migration Review Forum, and participated in regional review processes.
Eribo said TANGO contributed to the national reporting process through consultations with civil society organizations across the country to ensure that grassroots perspectives and migrants’ voices were reflected. She added that the organization also developed a civil society shadow report identifying progress, gaps and recommendations for improved implementation.
She stressed the need to address the root causes of irregular migration and reaffirmed TANGO’s commitment to working with government and partners to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration.
The IOM representative, Sibgha Ajaz, said migration was closely linked to sustainable development, human rights, climate resilience, labour mobility and social cohesion.
She noted that The Gambia had demonstrated leadership in global migration governance through active participation in regional and international review processes, adding that the country has become a respected voice on migrant protection issues.
Ajaz highlighted the country’s integrated approach to migration governance, noting that migration considerations were increasingly incorporated into national development planning, diaspora engagement, data systems, and return and reintegration frameworks.
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry, Lang Yabo described the validation exercise as an important step in accountability and progress assessment.
He said the report reflected the country’s continued commitment since becoming a GCM champion and captured efforts to manage migration as a driver of development while safeguarding migrants’ rights.
Yabo added that the report presented The Gambia as a country of origin, transit and destination, and would support its participation in global migration review processes.