By Fatoumatta Sillah
The Gambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration during the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026 held in New York.
A high-level delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Sering Modou Njie presented the country’s Voluntary Review Report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), highlighting progress made since The Gambia adopted the compact in 2018.
Recognised as a GCM Champion Country, The Gambia told the forum that it has made advances in areas including remittances, diaspora engagement, border management, migrant protection, and the reintegration of returnees.
The report noted that improvements in remittance systems, supported by digital financial services and stronger reporting mechanisms, have increased the contribution of migration to household incomes and the wider economy.
Government officials also pointed to ongoing reintegration programmes aimed at supporting returnees through livelihood assistance, skills training and psychosocial services.
The delegation said public awareness campaigns targeting youth and communities with high migration rates have also helped improve understanding of migration risks and opportunities.
Migration governance, according to the report, has been integrated into The Gambia’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027), while work is ongoing on a National Migration Strategy intended to align migration management with national development priorities.
The government further highlighted the involvement of civil society organisations, the media, the private sector and diaspora groups in shaping migration policies and strengthening outreach and service delivery.
On the sidelines of the forum, The Gambia cochaired a high-level event on missing migrants and migrant deaths alongside Ecuador and the United Nations Network on Migration.
Speaking at the event, Minister Njie said migration statistics represented real human tragedies affecting families and communities.
“Behind each statistic lies a human story, a life cut short and families left in uncertainty and grief,” he said, adding that such tragedies were preventable through stronger international cooperation and coordinated action.
The government said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships at national, regional and international levels to ensure migration contributes positively to development while protecting the rights and dignity of migrants.
