Gambian Families of Missing Migrants Join Global Conference for the First Time

Families of missing migrants from The Gambia have joined more than 800 families from 50 countries in the 4th International Conference for Missing Persons, marking the first time The Gambia has participated in the global event. The virtual gathering brought together relatives of individuals who disappeared while attempting irregular migration routes to mainland Europe.

Organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Gambia Red Cross Society, Restoring Family Links, and the Central Tracing Agency, the conference provided a platform for families to share experiences, learn from one another, and renew their collective call for answers regarding the fate of their missing loved ones.

Participants highlighted the urgent need for the right to know about the whereabouts of missing brothers, sisters, and children. They also appealed for stronger support systems for affected families, including psychosocial assistance, livelihood and economic support, health services, and educational opportunities.

Omar A. Manjang with fellow representatives from Gunjur

Representing families from Gunjur, Omar A. Manjang expressed gratitude to the organisers and reflected on the importance of the platform:

“We thank the entire team for their support. It was a successful event, and our participation added great value to the conference. Our stories were unique, and our plight was shared before more than 800 families from 50 countries across the world.

We strongly call for increased efforts to uphold our right to know the fate of our loved ones, and we echo the call for more support - psychosocially, economically, in livelihood, health, and education for families of missing persons in The Gambia.

Many learned from our experiences, and we also learned from the courage and commitment of others who share similar struggles. We are ready to bring families together, support each other, and ensure our collective voices are heard.

Our loved ones left in search of greener pastures, and their bravery reminds us of our moral responsibility to fill the void they left behind. They are missing but not forgotten, and we remain hopeful that one day our right to know their whereabouts will be fulfilled.”

The conference served as a crucial moment of solidarity for Gambian families, offering renewed hope, strengthened collaboration, and a shared commitment to continue advocating for truth and support.