#National News

NYP, GOVI discuss issues affecting disabilities in Gambia

Nov 8, 2023, 11:36 AM | Article By: Ali Jaw

The National Youth Parliament (NYP) last week engaged members of The Gambia Organisation for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) on some pertinent issues revolving around disability and how to empower disable community in the country.

While the NYP’s work is centred on the welfare of youngsters in The Gambia, GOVI is a registered non-governmental organisation (school) that advocates for the visually impaired and also fights to prevent blindness through education, sensitisation and advocacy for the treatment of eye problems.

Thus, the consultations held by NYP seeks to bridge gaps and ensure the incorporation of ideas and aspirations of Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) into the main points of discussion in the imminent 2023 NYP sitting.

At the event, Omar Cham, speaker of the NYP, reiterated NYP’s commitment to supporting and empowering the rights and welfare of disable community in The Gambia.

Cham disclosed that it is the role of NYP to ensure the effective implementation of the Persons With Disability Act that was enacted two years ago.

The bill, he added, guarantees political and socio-economic rights, such as access to health care, social support, accessibility, education and employment for Persons Living With Disabilities.

Muhammed Krubally, chairperson of The Gambia Federation of the Disabled, the umbrella body of the various regional and national disability organisations in the country, called the need for empowerment and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in activities.

Krubally equally urged proactive actions to ensure diversity and accessibility, while advising the public to do away with discrimination and stigma.