YPM Congratulates Prexy Barrow and calls for more protection of children

Young People in the Media the Gambia have  congratulated His Excellency President Adama Barrow for promoting democracy and good governance, noting that it would enhance promotion of fundamental human rights and by extension enhance protection and security. Young People in the Media (YPM) and stakeholders in child protection call on parents, guardians and security forces to provide maximum security and protection for children during the Gambia’s 52nd Independence celebration and Presidential inauguration of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, schedule 18^th February 2017.

Muhammed Kora, Networking & Advocacy Officer YPM Gambia has underscored the important the institution attaches to children welfare, noting that children are vulnerable segments of the society and calls on the public to support in protecting the safety of children. He thank partners for their support in ensuring that the rights and needs of all children are met and protected during the political impasses in the country.

He lauded stakeholders in child protection, citing UN agencies, the Coalition Taskforce , Red Cross, Immigration department, Department of Social Welfare , Police Child Welfare Units, The Gambia Armed Forces, Embassies, and all  child protection partners for the support , technical assistance  and services  rendered  across  border posts to ensure the maintenance and up keep of children; ensuring the return of those children and parents that fled the country during the political impasses in the country.

As a child led advocacy organization, we realize with great concern during such celebration the anxiety that accompanies children, must therefore be understood by all sectors of society. Children, being one of the most vulnerable segments of the civilian population, are at times negatively affected in various ways such as missing, injured or at times abuse by a potential abuser. The protection of all unaccompanied children must be prioritized during this festive season.

YPM thank all partners for their support in ensuring that the rights and needs of all children are met and protected during the political impasses in the country; which has such a profound impact on children’s situations, including in the peace building phase. Mass exposure of children and youth, lack of education, and poor nutrition, but with the support of all partners including the international community to protect children's individual rights in emergency has progressively been developed, thus this is manifested in an increased involvement of the international community on this issue, with the objective of preserving the future human capital of a country precious asset and treasure its children.

Every society hopes and expects that its children will grow up to be capable and responsible citizens who will contribute immensely to the development of their societies. This can only be attained if children are brought up in an environment where they are loved, cared, cherished and are free from poverty, conflict and violence.