By: Mariama Njie
Gambia Federation for Disabled persons has slammed government over what they described as ‘state failure of not putting adequate policies in the constitution that will protect and safeguard their rights.’
The group established with its principal goal to advocate for respect, protection and promotion of persons with disabilities in the country.
Speaking at International Day for persons with Disabilities in Brikama, the group’s chairman, Muhammed Krubally, said: “we face institutional barriers, there are not derail machines in our schools for the visually impaired person.”
He added: “the government has failed us somehow by not putting adequate policies in the constitution that will protect and save guard rights of persons with disabilities in our society.”
Therefore, everyone is expected to rally behind and support the federation. He added that “the Gambia is a signatory to the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.”
He disclosed that the preamble of the convention composes that disabilities shall be included in decision making and Gambia is no exception.
“With this convention we expect The Gambia government and other stakeholders to respect the preamble of the United Nation Convention the rights of person with disabilities. With numerous challenges face by Persons with disabilities, only the government can solve the problems by giving them free health care services and be included in decision makings,” he said.
He however added that in the Gambia about 300,000 plus are disabled whom approximately, 100,000 are seriously disabled.
