Gambia: Childfund Urges Candidates to Put Children's Rights in Election Manifestos

What the report says

ChildFund International The Gambia is urging political parties and presidential candidates to put children’s rights, safety and welfare at the center of their plans ahead of the December 2026 election. The appeal was made by Nfamara Dabo, the organisation’s interim country director, in a column published through Foroyaa and distributed by AllAfrica.

Dabo argued that election campaigns often focus on political competition while children’s needs are overlooked, even though children are affected by decisions on education, healthcare, protection and economic opportunity. He called on candidates to outline concrete commitments on issues such as better learning outcomes, reduced child poverty, stronger protection services and access to quality healthcare.

He also warned that campaign events can pose risks to children, including accidents, injuries or separation from caregivers at crowded rallies, convoys or late-night gatherings. Dabo said children should not be used as symbols in political mobilisation and asked parents, caregivers, media outlets, civil society groups and community leaders to help keep children safe during the campaign period.

More broadly, the appeal reflects a common election-season message from child-rights advocates: that political manifestos should address long-term social priorities, not only the contest for power. ChildFund said it remains committed to working with government, families and communities to promote children’s welfare.