On 29 and 30 June, UNICEF and the Judiciary of Gambia organised a two-day forum to strengthen child-friendly justice across the country, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Justice. The meeting brought together justice and child protection actors to examine current challenges and identify possible reforms.
The discussions focused on making justice services more equitable and child-friendly, with particular attention to children in contact with or in conflict with the law. The forum highlighted progress made since the Children’s Act 2005, including the establishment of specialised courts in Brikama, Basse, Mansa Konko, and Kanifing. It also pointed to persistent problems such as delays in investigations and case processing, limited options for diversion and rehabilitation, weak legal assistance for victims, and a lack of data on children’s cases.
Participants identified areas for improvement, including better coordination between justice institutions, greater investment in alternatives to deprivation of liberty and diversion measures, and stronger oversight by child rights bodies. As a result of the forum, a roadmap was agreed, setting out short-, medium-, and long-term actions aimed at making Gambia’s justice system more effective, restorative, and aligned with the best interests of the child.