Emmanuel D. Joof made this statement recently during the start of a two-day training for the National Disability Advisory Council (NDAC). The event was convened in collaboration with UNICEF under the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).
However, the training was aimed at enhancing NDAC’s capacity to serve as an independent monitoring mechanism under Article 33 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Joof calls the need for effective implementation and accountability mechanisms to accompany recent legislative and policy milestones including the Persons with Disabilities Act 2021 and the Strategic Policy 2024–2034.
“Laws and policies must be backed by action if they are to truly change lives,” he said.
He extended appreciation to key partners and stakeholders, including the minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique, UNICEF country rep in the Gambia and His Worship, Magistrate Muhammed Krubally, acknowledging their crucial roles in driving inclusion and equality.
Joof thus encouraged participants to approach their roles with commitment and purpose.
“Every person, regardless of ability, has the right to live with dignity, autonomy, and equality,” he stated.
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