The ECOWAS Commission, through the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, organized a three-day capacity-building workshop from June 26 to June 28, 2024, for the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanisms (ECO-PHSICM). The event was supported by the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), under the Office of the Vice President of The Gambia. The workshop aimed to review progress since ECO-PHSICM's establishment in 2021 and develop an action plan for its implementation from 2024 to 2026.
Madam Binta Singhateh, Director of NCCRM in The Gambia, expressed appreciation for the leadership role of the Office of the Vice President and ECOWAS Commission's initiative. She emphasized the importance of addressing protection and human security issues faced by The Gambia and the broader ECOWAS region.
Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, representing Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, underscored the significance of protection within a human security framework as outlined in various ECOWAS protocols. He highlighted a $25,000 grant provided by ECOWAS to support NCCRM's coordination efforts.
Ambassador Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident in The Gambia, reiterated that human security is central to ECOWAS programs. She called on stakeholders to effectively utilize funding support to operationalize ECO-PHSICM and implement identified actions.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President Mr. Samba C. Mballo noted that ECO-PHSICM is crucial for addressing risks and challenges in the region. He stated that adopting a country-specific implementation roadmap reflects a commitment to tangible solutions.
Representatives from the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) and Network against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV) also provided remarks during the workshop. Sessions covered topics such as risk assessment, stakeholder roles mapping, community engagement strategies, gender mainstreaming in operations, referral systems procedures, resource mobilization requirements, and project monitoring and evaluation.
The workshop concluded with adopting an action plan for implementing The Gambian roadmap on protection and human security.
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