Gambia to Launch National Trust Fund, Mobilize Global Support for Refugees

By: Fatou Krubally

The Gambia has announced plans to establish a National Trust Fund and host a National Donor Conference to bolster support for refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior Abdoulie Sanyang at the 76th session of the Executive Committee (ExCom) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking on behalf of the President, the Minister reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to international refugee conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and the 1969 OAU Convention. He highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to implement the Refugee Act of 2008, which provides a legal framework for the protection of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons.

As of September 2025, The Gambia has granted refugee status to 4,099 individuals from 21 countries, with 504 asylum applications currently under review. Despite being modest compared to global refugee populations, the figures underscore The Gambia’s dedication to providing safe haven to vulnerable individuals.

The Minister emphasized the country’s focus on integrating refugees into Gambian society. Refugee children are enrolled in schools on equal terms with citizens, and healthcare access is provided through the national health system. The government is also taking steps to identify and regularize individuals at risk of statelessness, with over 900 people identified in recent assessments conducted with the UNHCR Multi-Country Office in Dakar.

Addressing the challenges posed by strained global resources, the Minister noted that the upcoming National Donor Conference aims to mobilize additional funding and international support. The National Trust Fund will provide sustainable assistance for refugee livelihoods as well as reproductive and mental health services.

The Minister further highlighted strengthened border management, early warning systems, and improved maritime coordination to ensure the safety and dignity of migrants and asylum seekers. He also announced the formation of a new Appeals Board to ensure fairness and due process in asylum procedures, reinforcing The Gambia’s commitment to upholding human rights standards.

Concluding his address, the Minister called for increased international cooperation, shared responsibility, and solidarity in refugee protection. He affirmed that The Gambia remains committed to maintaining its active role within the UNHCR framework and to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all persons of concern.

The post Gambia to Launch National Trust Fund, Mobilize Global Support for Refugees appeared first on .

 By: Fatou Krubally The Gambia has announced plans to establish a National Trust Fund and host a National Donor Conference…
The post Gambia to Launch National Trust Fund, Mobilize Global Support for Refugees appeared first on .