Disability Groups in Gambia Press for Human Rights
By Kay Schriner (kays@uark.edu)
Two groups in The Gambia are speaking out to ensure that people with disabilities experience equality in social, social, and economic life.
The Gambia Association of the Physically Disabled (GAPD) has protested remarks made by Ousman Sowe, Director of Public Health, in which he said that a disabled child is a "burden to the family," according to The Independent newspaper. The association issued a statement saying that the director's comment was "one of the most misleading statements made against the disabled community over the decade." The group referred to the Constitution of the Second Republic of The Gambia, which provides for the rights of people with disabilities to respect, dignity, and protection against exploitation and discrimination.
GAPD called on Mr. Sowe to "withdraw his derogatory remarks" about people with disabilities.
The GAPD is not the only group working to improve conditions in The Gambia. The National Union for the Disabled was established last year raise awareness about disability issues among the public, and to press for inclusion in economic development. Dr. Ebrima Camara, a human rights activist who is also a leader in the National Union, told The Independent newspaper that poverty and lack of access to education are primary concerns in the disability community. He told The Independent that "if disabled persons are trained in income generating activities and vocation, they would be self-dependent and this will reduce the burden on the society."
Both organizations stress the disability does not mean inability, and that people with disabilities must be included in the development plans of the nation to build economic capacity and reduce dependency.
For more on the groups' activities, go to http://allafrica.com
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