Gambia’s gov’t calls on all to adapt strict measures to address violence against women
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Gambia Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare has urged all government, public and private institutions and organisations to adopt strict measures to address all forms of discrimination to ensure the full protection of women and girls’ rights.
In a press release signed by Bulli Dibba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, made available to PANA here Thursday, the ministry said the measures were meant to eradicate violence against women and girls in The Gambia.
According to the release, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare is particularly troubled by the recent reported cases of acts of violence, especially rape, against women.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the IGP, will ensure that such extreme and grave manifestation of the discriminatory treatment of women and girls is not tolerated in Gambian society.
“We therefore urge everyone in The Gambia to make sure that discrimination and the resulting acts of violence stop to be tolerated in Gambian society, so that we perpetuate a climate of impunity towards these acts and their repetition,” the release stated.
Issues of violence against women, especially rape, came to the limelight following government’s statement that drew the attention of allegations of sexual assault by a number of women, including rape, committed against them by Melville Robertson Roberts, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also recently Ms Fatou Jallow, a Gambian national, came out openly against former President Yahya Jammeh whom she accused of raping her.
The release stressed that, in accordance with international and regional human rights standards, due diligence is exercised by state operators to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women.
Meanwhile, the ministry further has appealed to victims and their families to have confidence in the ability of the justice system to right the wrongs committed, and avail themselves of judicial remedies.
The release also stressed that the ministry, on behalf of the government of the Gambia, would not want to leave any victim with a sense of insecurity, defenselessness and mistrust in the administration of justice.
“The Ministry understands the gravity of the existing problems and the commitment of the State and non-state sectors to consider the specific needs of women and girls in public policies designed to prevent, punish and eradicate acts of discrimination and violence against women and girls, reiterates its commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders in the full implementation of international human rights instruments such as Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CDAW) which Gambia Government has signed and ratified to protect the rights and welfare of women and children especially the girl child,” the release pointed out.
The release further said the police would, with immediate effect and within the laws of the country, use all powers necessary to deal with incidents of gender-based violent crimes on law-abiding Gambians, adding that anyone found wanting would be dealt with severely under the rule of law.
“The Ministry appeals to all residents of this great country to complement government’s efforts to reduce gender based violent crimes. We remind everyone that it is an offence for individuals to refuse to provide information to the police within crime incident area.
“The Ministry solicits the cooperation of all in this regard and appreciates the general public’s patience and understanding,” the release concluded.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 4Jul2019
