By Samsideen Ceesay
The Directorate of Children Affairs under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, in collaboration with stakeholders in child protection matters on Thursday, 22nd December, 2022 reviewed the Children’s Act 2005.
Held at the National Nutrition Agency in Kanifing, UNICEF-funded exercise was meant to ensure a thorough review of the findings of the national consultations conducted in June and to incorporate all current child protection issues in the Act.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Madam Bintou HK. Fatty said government will continue to work together with partner institutions to ensure that the socio-economic rights of children as enshrined in the constitution, including the right to education, health care and support become a reality. “This forum is therefore an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that children are fully empowered to exercise their constitutional rights and enjoy full dignity and freedom in the country,’’ she asserted.
She described children as the cream of society and thanked UNICEF for the financial support provided, and the child protection partners for the technical support and positive contributions to the entire process.
Director Fatty further posited that it is hoped that the outcome of the consultations and review processes will change the dynamics by strengthening the child protection system in the country.
She promised to submit the report to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
