The Honourable Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to protecting refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons as the country joined the international community in commemorating World Refugee Day 2026.
Delivering a press statement at the national celebration, the Minister highlighted the Government’s continued dedication to international refugee protection standards and humanitarian principles. He noted that World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to support individuals who have been forced to flee persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights abuses.
The Minister disclosed that The Gambia currently hosts more than 4,767 displaced persons, including refugees and asylum seekers, who live peacefully alongside Gambian communities, particularly in the West Coast Region and Kanifing Municipality.
He reiterated that under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, the Government continues to strengthen policies, laws, and institutional frameworks aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of refugees and asylum seekers. He cited the Refugees Act 2008, as well as the country’s ratification of the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions, as evidence of The Gambia’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Minister Sanyang further highlighted recent initiatives undertaken by the Gambia Commission for Refugees, including a Durable Solutions Survey for Refugees and a Comprehensive Statelessness Assessment. According to him, these efforts are intended to identify challenges faced by displaced persons and support sustainable solutions such as local integration and voluntary repatriation where conditions permit.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Until Everyone is Safe,” the Minister said the message underscores the importance of ensuring that displaced persons have access to safety, dignity, justice, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
He commended the longstanding tradition of hospitality and solidarity demonstrated by Gambians towards people seeking refuge and praised the collaboration between the Government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other partners in advancing refugee protection and inclusion.
The Minister noted that refugees in The Gambia continue to benefit from access to education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and social protection programmes alongside Gambian citizens. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where their lives or freedoms may be at risk.
Additionally, he revealed that the Gambia Commission for Refugees has strengthened documentation systems to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers possess valid identity and protection documents, enabling them to access essential services and enjoy their rights.
Concluding his address, the Minister called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility in supporting displaced persons. He stressed that efforts to protect refugees must continue until everyone is safe.
