As part of efforts to raise the visibility of the Gambia caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), foster regular engagement between caucus members and The Gambian public, the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) and its partners and in collaboration with the National Assembly of The Gambia, organized one-day seminar on the theme: FoRB, Religious Intolerance and the Rise of Hate Speech in The Gambia: What Role for MPs and other Stakeholders.
The meeting which brought together The Gambia Members of the Parliamentary Caucus on FoRB, Faith leaders from both the Muslim and Christian community as well representatives from civil society (CSO’s) was held at the Christian Council of The Gambia, on 16th June, 2023. A total of 25 participants from these stakeholders participated in this meeting. The meeting was opened with prayers from both the Muslim and Christian participants.
Representing the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on FoRB in The Gambia, Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh thanked everyone present for finding time to attend the meeting and thanked ACEPA for organizing such a meeting. He stated that the gathering is organized for constructive dialogue on FoRB and the need to access individual rights to freedom of religion or belief bearing in mind the issues surrounding the wearing of the veil in mission schools.
He further stated that the Parliamentary Caucus on FoRB was established to promote freedom of religion or belief for all persons through their work and in their respective institutions, enhance global cooperation, undertake efforts to promote FoRB, support appropriate initiative that advance FoRB for women and young people and identify and support future parliamentarians and faith leaders who show a commitment to promote FoRB. He concluded by thanking ACEPA again for the initiative and everyone present.