The National Human Rights Commission has insisted that section 63 of the rejected draft Constitution was an attempt to address plights of older persons.
A statement from the Commission’s Secretariat stated that “Section 63 of the 2020 Draft Constitution was an attempt to ensure the rights of older persons to fully participate in the affairs of society, pursue their personal development, live in dignity and respect and be free from abuse; and receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and the State.
“Older persons are an integral part of the society. They are a repository of history and wisdom and the gatekeepers of our value system. They make major contributions to society, particularly rural women who play an important role in the social fabric of communities.”
“However, given the current status of older persons, the NHRC expresses deep concern over the lack of social protection for them and therefore urges the Government to ratify and domesticate the Protocol to the Africa Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa as required of all member States of the AU; review Chapter 4 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia to include provisions on the rights and protection of older persons as was reflected in Section 63 of the Draft 2020 Constitution.
“Provide a comprehensive health insurance and social protection coverage countrywide for older persons; ensure that older persons, particularly older women, have a significant voice in the formulation of elderly-friendly policies and in decision making processes at all levels; Partner with NGOs that are involved in advocating for the rights of older persons to harmonize efforts for effective human rights-based care and support; Identify and support vulnerable families that are caring for older persons; Ensure older persons with disabilities have access to specialized care which responds to their needs within their communities.”
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