AStout, VNoe
Committee: Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural
Topic: Forced Displacement of Religious Minorities
Country: Senegal
Senegal is a West African Nation that gained its independence in April of 1960 and since then has become one of the most stable countries in all of Africa. Before then they were under the rule of the France for hundreds of years. The problem of accepting religious minorities has never really been a problem for the Senegalese. Senegal has been welcoming of those in need of shelter for many years. Within their constitution, it is stated “ It assures the equality before the law of all the citizens, without distinction of origin, of race, of sex [and] of religion.” This means that they, by their constitution accepts all religions in Senegal. Not only do they state this in the Senegal Constitution, but they practice what they preach.
Although one expects religious discrimination from Senegal because of their placement in the world and the fact that they are predominantly one religion, they are generally welcoming and helpful. According to the World Atlas, 92% of the population in Senegal practice the Islamic faith, 6% are Christians and 1% are have other beliefs (Sawe, 2017). This republic government enforces their constitution and does not allow for discrimination against minorities in their country.
Numerous times throughout their history, the Senegalese government accepted refugees from countries where it was unsafe to live in, including Gambia, Lebanon, Liberia, and many more . In recent years there have been several occurrences where Senegal accepted displaced people due to dire circumstances. Due to a governmental upset in The Gambia, many citizens began fleeing to Senegal. Senegal welcomed them with open arms, giving them places to stay in a safe country until they were able to return to their own. Senegal has also allowed Lebanese refugees to become citizens of the country, and giving them a home in the most stable democracy in Africa.
Senegal proposes that other countries make motions to also accept refugees into their countries if they are stable and able to accept these refugees. Although Senegal has historically been able to accept refugees and house them, they will not be able to continue on their own. Senegal encourages other countries to follow in their example of accepting refugees into their country.