By: Kemo Kanyi
Scores of refugees living in the Gambia have called for improved conditions especially with the issuance of conventional documentation.
The refugees made the clarion call while marking World Refugee Day celebrations organised by Gambia Commission for Refugees (GCR) held in Sibanor, Foni on Friday.
The head of urban refugees, Samson Lassy from the Democratic Republic of Congo, appeals to relevant authorities and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to work together in ensuring that eligible refugees continue receiving empowerment in various areas to improve their living standards.
“We are appealing to authorities to help eligible refugees to acquire travel documents in accordance with international standards and an increase in scholarship quotas for refugees,” he said.
He also called for refugees to have more access to technical and vocational training, improved medical care and inclusion in national education opportunities.
For his part, Louis Mendy, the deputy director of the Gambia Immigration Department, says that the refugee protection environment remains challenging in the face of new emerging conflicts around the world. He emphasized the need for more collaborative efforts and resilience on the part of refugees in their search for the most appropriate durable solutions.
He assured the authorities’ commitment to better the lives of every refuge in The Gambia, noting that refugees should continue to remain of good behaviour and law-abiding as always, and that together The Gambia will continue to always stand in solidarity with them.
Mr. Mendy notes that the Gambia Immigration Department, through the GCR and partners, will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the basic and fundamental rights and freedom of refugees are protected within the territories of the Gambia, irrespective of their tribe, race, religion, nationality, or membership to a particular social group.
Other speakers included Ebrima Manneh, Commissioner of GCR, Lamin Badjie, refugee of Sofara Association and Modou Lamin Jobarteh, Chief of Fonì Bintang Karanai.
