TANGO, partners hold awareness forum on 'Disabilities Act'

The two-day forum held at the TANGO was geared towards increasing awareness among duty bearers and fellow right holders about the essential provisions within the act.

The event was also designed to promote transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment especially of persons who are differently able. 

At the opening, Yadicon Eribo Njie, chairperson of the Association of Non Governmental Organisations, recalled that since the passing of the Act into law, the level of awareness and implementation leaves much to be desired.

She explained that the disable community continues to be marginalised from having access to lot of opportunities, which ordinary citizens should have the right to access.

This, she added, includes access to public facilities, buildings and information which continues to be a huge challenge to them.

"As civil societies and advocates for different communities and constituents we will continue to raise awareness and hold duty bearers to account in terms of the implementation of the said Act and to address challenges they are faced with."

Lamin Fatty, Executive Director of Gambia Federation of Disabilities (GDF), reminded that they've reached a stage where Persons With Disabilities need to be recognised, valued, and respected as core members of society and development.

"They deserve equal treatment, opportunities, and recognition with any other person in The Gambia." 

Fatty disclosed that every Gambian deserves to have not only an in-depth understanding of the Act, but make sure it is not in any way violated.

Muhammed Krubally, Principal Magistrate and President of Gambia Federation of Disablilities (GFD), described the forum as important and timely. 

He revealed that popularisation of Persons With Disability Act is a move in the right direction as it meant to empower Persons With Disabilities in the country.

The forum, he added, is in line with section 7 of the Disabilities Act 2021, which enjoins the established National Advisory Council for Persons With Disabilities alongside The Gambia Federation of Disabilities to sensitise the public on the needs, potentials and capacities of disabled.

Principal Magistrate Krubally made reference to the old adage that 'ignorance of the law is not an excuse’ and urged all to use the Act as an instrument of advocacy to enlighten others who have not noticed the existence of the Act.