AMBASSADORIAL-LEVEL MEETING OF THE PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION ON THE GAMBIA
STATEMENT BY LATVIA
Mr Chair, excellencies, colleagues,
First of all, I would like to use this opportunity to extend our condolences to Gambia over the death of 70 children linked to contaminated cough syrup. We wish speedy recovery to all children who have been injured.
Mr Chair,
We highly appreciate the remarks and briefings we have heard today, which provide a detailed and encouraging overview of the peacebuilding process in Gambia. In addition, I would like to highlight a few points from Latvia’s perspective.
Latvia welcomes the fact that since the previous PBC meeting last year Gambia has maintained its steady course towards advancing peace and reconciliation, not least by holding transparent and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections. It takes years to solidify peacebuilding gains, therefore consistent efforts, as demonstrated by Gambia’s government and civil society, is the only path towards building inclusive, democratic and resilient institutions and communities.
We are of strong view that ensuring justice for atrocities committed in the past, as well as eradication of sense of impunity, which would encourage further crimes in future, are fundamentally important elements of peacebuilding. Therefore, we welcome the successful transitional justice process, which has been undertaken in Gambia, particularly through the work of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) and the White paper published in May. We are encouraged by the aspirations of Gambia’s authorities to pursue further concrete steps in this process, including through preparations for holding a National Conference next year.
In this context, we would like to highlight the importance of addressing sexual and gender-based abuses, due to their devastating long-term consequences for the victims, as well as the affected communities. It is necessary not only to seek remedy for the crimes committed, but also to take measures to prevent them from be repeated again, including by making the necessary amendments in the legislation in line with the recommendations of the TRRC.
To conclude, I would like to assure Gambia of continued support of Latvia and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as to stress the importance of sharing the valuable experience of Gambia’s transitional justice process with other countries engaged with the PBC.
I thank you.