The Backway

Community Engagement and Accountability for People on the Move in the Gambia

Commissioned by The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement I conducted a case study in The Gambia exploring the experiences of people on the move and the services offered to them by the Gambian Red Cross. The study focusses on returnees, people who undertook the journey to Europe but were unable to reach their destination, often going through traumatic events along the way. Upon return, many of these young people face stigmatisation and difficulties reintegrating into society which pushes them to travel the dangerous ‘Backway’ again. Through their Community Engagement and Acountability approach and the establisment of Humanitarian Service Points, the Red Cross movement tries to support migrants and help them come back to society.

This study is presented through an online storytelling piece which takes you along the journey step by step, allowing you to look, listen and learn more about the different motives and experiences shared by young Gambians.

Visit https://preparecenter.org/rchsp/ to explore the case study. Best viewed on desktop, sound on!

Research and art: Kyra Sacks
Research and edit: Sabrina Gehrlein
Design and development: Eveleen Hamers, Yannick Gregoire

Migration is a significant and longstanding phenomenon in The Gambia, driven by economic challenges, high unemployment rates, and limited prospects. The country's geographical location, surrounded by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean, makes it a transit point for migrants traveling to Europe. Many Gambians embark on perilous journeys through what they refer to as 'the Backway', crossing the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, facing risks such as human trafficking and drowning at sea. Remittances from those who reach Europe play a crucial role in the country's economy and serve as motivation for potential migrants. To address migration challenges, the Gambian government and international players have initiated programs to promote safe migration, combat human trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration. Efforts also focus on improving economic prospects within the country to reduce the push factors driving migration. Collaboration with international organizations and neighboring countries is part of the government's strategy to manage migration flows, combat human trafficking, and protect the rights of migrants and refugees.

Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is a way of working that recognizes and values all community members as equal partners, whose diverse needs, priorities, and preferences guide everything we, The Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, do. We achieve this by integrating meaningful community participation, open and honest communication, and mechanisms to listen to and act on feedback, within our programmes and operations. Evidence, experience, and common sense tell us when we truly engage communities and they play an active role in designing and managing programmes and operations, the outcomes are more effective, sustainable, and of a higher quality.

A Humanitarian Service Point (HSP) is a neutral space along migratory routes, established by National Societies. It offers a safe environment for migrants to access essential services through fixed or mobile structures like tents or equipped buses. The goal is to enhance the safety and dignity of migrants by providing humanitarian assistance and protection. HSPs provide general information and incorporate safe referral mechanisms, collaborating with relevant agencies for a comprehensive range of assistance, including shelter, healthcare, SGBV referral pathways, safe houses, education, and specialized support.