By: Mariama Njie
United Nation country coordinator has said the global Union is committed to supporting persons with disabilities in the country.
Speaking at international day for persons with disabilities, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, said: “Persons with disabilities continue to face a lot of discrimination and mockery in society” adding that the UN office in the Gambia “strives to ensure efforts to build back better for the participation and inclusion of the persons with disabilities throughout the country to ensure that no one is left behind.”
“As the UN is about leaving no one behind, we are tacking those that are vulnerable and we know that Gambia Federation of Disabled is a group we should pay attention because they advocate for the protection and respect of persons with disabilities.
“We seek to promote awareness of disabilities issues and standing firm in upholding human rights principle in promoting equality for persons with disabilities,” she added.
She said that disability inclusion is an essential condition for sustainable development, peace and security.
“It is so essential that the promise of 2030 agenda for sustainable development to leave no one behind. Gambia Federation of Disabled and the UN in the Gambia together with other stakeholders have also supported persons with disabilities in various areas, we have provided technical assistance in advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities,” she said.
She said during this COVID-19 period the UN supported women and girls’ disability who were victims of abuse through the Gender Based Violence helpline, saying: “we have collaborated with government institutions to ensure that rights and respect of persons with disabilities is observed
