The forum, supported by UNICEF and UNFPA under the UN Global Disability Fund, aims to strengthen dialogue, policy, and action around disability inclusion. Discussions will cover themes such as governance, children’s rights, economic empowerment, health and sexual and reproductive rights, humanitarian and climate crises, and youth leadership. A central focus is ensuring that persons with disabilities themselves are at the heart of decision-making and implementation.
NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel D. Joof described the gathering as timely and necessary. He explained that while The Gambia has made commendable progress—ratifying the UN Convention and the AU Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, passing the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2021, and establishing the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities, implementation has been slow.
“Persons with disabilities continue to face enormous challenges, from stigma and discrimination to barriers in education, healthcare, transportation, and employment,” Joof said. “This forum is an opportunity to reflect, confront these realities, and collectively strategize to accelerate the enforcement of the Disability Act.”
UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul echoed this call, noting that The Gambia’s commitment to international conventions provides strong framework though vulnerable groups, especially women and children with disabilities, still face intersectional barriers.
“The inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society is not optional. It is fundamental,” he emphasised, urging stronger alignment between government, civil society, and the international community to ensure no one is left behind in development.
Also addressing the gathering, Muhammed Krubally, Chair of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, hailed the forum as historic and a reminder of the principles enshrined in both national and international instruments.
“Persons with disabilities are human beings entitled to equality, dignity, and full participation in every sector of life,” Krubally said. “The rights we seek are not favours but fundamental entitlements.”
Over the next two days, participants are expected to put forward actionable recommendations to strengthen disability inclusion across all sectors, while reaffirming that protecting the rights of persons with disabilities is both a legal obligation and a moral duty tied to The Gambia’s sustainable development agenda.
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