The speaker of the National Assembly, Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, has told members of the Youth Talent Organisation, a child rights advocary group to show greater respect to cultural and traditional norms in society in promoting rights in the country. To her, any form of advocacy should be in line with the cultural and traditional norms of Gambian society.

Mrs Jahumpa-Ceesay gave these remarks at the Assembly Chambers yesterday during ameeting with members oftheAssemblySelect Committee on Women and Children and members of the Youth Talent Organisation. The groups visit is meant to briefthe NAMs on the aims and objectives of their organisation, as well asto solicit the support of legislature.

According to the speaker, The Gambia is a society with deep rooted culture and tradition and therefore, child rights should be confined within these norms. She said that any form of advocay alien to the culture will not be entertained as it breeds backlash.

She told the gathering that The Gambia, under the dynamic and visionary leadership of President Jammeh has made great strides in championing the rights of children at all levels.

"This is demonstrated in drafting and enactment of the Children Bill, the ratification of the various conventions on the rights ofthe child and the allocation of funds in the national budget to departments that deal with children issues. So I can say that Gambian children are lucky to have a government and a president that attaches much importance to the rights of children.," she posited.

The speaker reminded the organisation of the need to be responsible as rights goes with responsibility. "If you are advocating for rights, you must demonstrate a sense of responsibility. You should talk to your peers to do away with acts that are not right. Always do things that are good and defend the interest of The Gambia at all times," she urged.

She then promised that the report submitted by the group will be adopted for consideration by the National Assembly.

For his part, Bori Colley, NAM for Foni Jarrol,urged the organisation to show greater respect to the elderly to enable them succeed in life. "You are lucky and opportune to have facilities needed for smooth learning enviroment unlike us. So be committed and have a sense of direction in order to be successful."

Samseedeen Fatty,president of the organisation delivered a detailed and comprehensive report on issues relating to children issues. He called for the establishment of a Department of State for Children and Women Affairs to exclusively deal with issues affecting children and women, child representative at local councils and the creation of the Children's National Assembly by an Act of the National Assembly, amongst others.

Hon Momodou S Touray and Bintanding Jarjue members of Central Baddibu and Foni Brefet respectively, spoke at the meeting. They emphasised the strides made by The Gambia goverment on children issues compared to other countries.