The event held at GOVI Conference Hall, was aimed at exposing participants to the fundamental rights of children with disabilities. Held under the theme 'Advancing the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Schools’, the event also sought to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Welcoming the participants, Emmanuel Joof, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, emphasised that advocating for the rights of children with disabilities in schools goes beyond mere moral and societal obligations; it's also a legal imperative.
Joof explained further that enhancing inclusivity in schools involves recognising them as microcosms of society, thus reflecting its diverse makeup and prioritising the rights of children with disabilities nurtures an environment where everyone is esteemed and respected, irrespective of their capabilities.
“The rights of children with disabilities are protected under various international conventions and declarations, such as the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Joof said.
The UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique, while expressing delight to be associated with the event, stated that the initiative, led by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), signifies a significant stride in collective endeavors to uphold the rights and dignity of all children and adolescents, particularly those with disabilities.
The event, she added, further reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to promoting and safeguarding the rights and welfare of every child and adolescent.
“Education, recognised as a fundamental human right and a potent tool for empowerment and societal change, holds particular importance for children and adolescents with disabilities, often marginalized” she said
The UNICEF Country rep further indicated that the endeavor aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment where every child and adolescent can thrive and fulfill their potential and that it seeks to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and empathy within educational institutions and communities at large.
