MS. SERAPHINE WAKANA END OF YEAR HIGH LEVEL EVENT

Your excellencies,

Development Partners,

Permanent Secretaries,

Colleagues from the UN

Distinguished guests,

 

I wholeheartedly welcome and thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the achievements, we registered together for the people of The Gambia despite the numerous challenges we faced together & the continued commitment we all have to working together in 2023 & beyond.

 

We are coming to the end of yet another difficult year.  The COVID-19 pandemic persisted, rising inflation and inequalities raged on.

 

Resources lessened in the face of economic hardships.

 

The brunt of the impact of these crises was felt more by the most marginalized and excluded, among those particularly women, children, migrants, people with disabilities, older people and other minorities. 

 

It seems more poignant to pause for a moment and reflect on some of the achievements – modest or more significant - we have collectively made.

 

The UN in the Gambia has been at the centre of seeking solutions aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - our opportunity to leave no one behind and build truly cohesive societies.

 

In 2022, we implemented both separate and joint projects spanning various thematic areas including but not limited to human rights, peace, sustainable development and humanitarian support, disability inclusion, climate change, focus on key populations such as , persons living with or

 

 

affected by HIV/AIDS, children, youth, migrants and women, job skills and finance and food security.

 

Climate Change continues to be a crucial pilar of our work in the country. We all witnessed the devasting impact the heavy rains and flood has had in the country. The UN was present to provide both humanitarian and technical assistance through the arrival of an UNDAC mission that worked closely with government and partners to manage the crisis.

 

One of our key partners is the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, supporting 16 separate peacebuilding initiatives in the country. 

 

This year, PBF-funded peacebuilding projects focused on issues aimed at ensuring the Gambia’s transition is comprehensive, inclusive and peaceful

 

Some of the issues included transitional justice, women and youth empowerment, governance, climate-related security risks, SGBV, reintegration of returnees, hate speech, cross-border social cohesion, mental health and psychosocial support, and the creation of a Gambia-specific Infrastructure for Peace.

 

Distinguished guests

 

Key results in 2022 have included continued support towards the implementation of the TRRC’s recommendations which set forth a comprehensive reform agenda, continued support to the National Human Rights Commission which has achieved “A” status and provision of emergency humanitarian support.

 

In 2023, we will continue to provide support towards the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing that our work, is grounded on two firm principles: the promotion and protection of human rights and Leaving No One Behind.

 

Our work remains centred on the human rights normative principles that include equality, non-discrimination and leaving no one behind.

 

These principles are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 and the first legal document to set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

 

In 2023, the UDHR turns 75, an exciting opportunity for an unprecedented “re-set” on human rights and to making an even bigger positive change in people’s lives in the Gambia.

 

We are committed to using the next year for thoughtful and ambitious considerations on our role to shape a next 75 years of furtherance of human rights for all persons in the Gambia.

 

I urge you to join us to celebrate the UDHR, an opportunity to strengthen the remarkable human rights infrastructure we have constructed and to further human rights, peace, security and development.

 

We will also remain committed to fighting violations against key populations in the Gambia including violence against women and girls.

 

I urge you to amplify your efforts in developing coordinated strategies towards the elimination violence against women and children.

 

Distinguished guests

 

Many of our UN staff in the Gambia are present.

 

I would particularly like to highlight the exceptional sacrifices made by our staff and thank every one of them for their hard work and commitment.

 

I am confident that in 2023 we shall all stay the course and grow stronger together.

 

I also thank you all for your solidarity and cooperation. It is through your partnership and collaboration that we successfully achieved our goals.

 

Together, we will work towards greater coordination, reinforce collective efforts to prevent and end conflicts, build resilience and restore hope. 

On behalf of the entire UN in the Gambia, I want to express profound appreciation and look forward to intensifying our work together.

 

I thank you and wish you and your families happy holidays and a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year.