BANJUL, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The delegation comprising UNICEF and UNFPA regional officials on Thursday urged the Gambian President Adama Barrow to invest in children and youth by providing employment as well as to continue fighting against malaria, end child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), a statement from the presidency said on Thursday.
The UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Director, Marie-Pierre Poirier reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to continue to support the new government's agenda.
"On behalf of UNICEF, I urge the Gambia government to invest in children and youths and provide employment creation that will strengthen social protection as well as promote youth empowerment," she said.
Poirier commended the Gambia for meeting the target in controlling open defecation but emphasized the need to consolidate the gains made. She reiterated the importance of continuing the fight against malaria, end child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.
Gambian President Barrow informed the UN team that his government will embark on sectoral reforms but added that good laws will be maintained.
President lamented on the negative consequences of Child Marriage and FGM, from a health point of view but noted that these are culturally sensitive issues. He called on the population to be encouraged to end the practices. Barrow also asserted that the government will cooperate with UN bodies and come up with laws that will be sustained.
On youth business, Barrow said "The Gambia has changed and youths, who form 60 percent of population, were active in the change process in bringing in the new government".
"The government needs partnership to create employment for youths, and I urge the partners to move from commitment to action for youths to realize their contribution in political affairs," he said.
The former Gambia president Yahya Jammeh already banned the practice of FGM and child marriage in the country in 2015 and vowed to arrest any person caught practicing the hazardous tradition.
