By: Arret Jatta
The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Emmanuel Daniel Joof, has said advancing the rights of children with disabilities in schools is not just a moral and societal obligation but also a legal one.
Mr. Joof made this assertion at an NHRC-organizedtraining and quiz competition for students with disabilities.
The event, which centered on the rights of children with disabilities, was organized in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners and it was held at the school of theGambia Organization for Visually Impaired (GOVI) in Kanifing.
“Advancing the rights of children with disabilities in schools is not just a moral and societal obligation but also a legal requirement. Schools are miniature copy of society and should reflect its diversity. Advancing the rights of children with disabilities fosters an inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their abilities,” the NHRC chair emphasized.
He highlighted that it’s important that people with disabilities understand and know their rights so that they can claim these rights.
“Every child deserves access to quality education. By advancing the rights of children with disabilities, we ensure they have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive academically and socially,” he stated.
The UNICEF Representative in The Gambia, Nafisa BinteShafique, said human rights knowledge should be spread so that citizens will be aware of their rights.
“16 percent of the entire world’s population lives with some form of disabilities. So, don’t think that it is negligible. 16 percent is a high percentage. So, that’s why it is important you know about UNCRC, which is United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRPD which is United Nations Conventions on the Rights of People with Disabilities,” she highlighted.
“When you talk about rights, there are always two parties; the right holders and the duty bearers, who are here to fulfill those rights, and just knowing your rights is not enough because you have responsibilities coming with your rights. You have a right to be educated but it is your responsibility to stay in school and study,” she told the students.