Constitution

The Gambia 2020 Draft Constitution

Table of Contents

CHAPTER XVII. NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

296. Principles of youth development

  1. The youth are an important asset in the national development of The Gambia and shall be factored in all affairs of State policy to ensure their development and effective participation in nation building.
  2. The following principles apply in relation to youth development and participation in nation building–
    1. the State is, among other things, built on the strength, ability, competence, professionalism and capacity of its people of which the youth are an important constituency;
    2. the youth shall be adequately trained for public life in order to engender in them the national values and principles set out in this Constitution and any Act of the National Assembly, and prepare them to conduct themselves professionally and ethically;
    3. youth participation and inclusion is essential in building and fostering national unity, cohesion, peace, patriotism and service to the people;
    4. the youth shall be afforded opportunities to serve their country on the principle of equality and fair treatment, commitment, service to State, non-discrimination (whether as to language, ethnicity, religion, background, or otherwise) and love for nation; and
    5. every support shall be provided to the youth to enable them to develop and realise their full potential.
  3. An Act of the National Assembly may provide further principles as it may consider necessary to strengthen the development of the youths of The Gambia.

297. Obligations of the State to the youth

  1. The Government shall, within three years of the coming into force of this Constitution–
    1. establish such schemes and institutions that will further the training and development of the youth;
    2. strengthen any existing scheme or institution related to the youth to facilitate the overall development of the youth; and
    3. provide adequate funding to realise the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b).
  2. The matters specified under subsection (1) shall be provided on an ongoing basis.
  3. The State shall promote and protect the rights of the youth, and shall take positive measures to eliminate policies and practices that may hinder the growth, development and advancement of the youth.

298. Consultation with the youth

The Government shall, in any matter concerning the development of policies and decision making relating to or affecting the youth specifically, consult the youth to receive their opinions on such policies and decisions.