GFD urged gov't, stakeholders to prioritise disability inclusion in the ongoing SSR process

SSR Forum Photo Source: Ms. Emi Leung - UNDP Governance Officer:
Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has called on government and stakeholders to prioritise disability inclusion in the ongoing Security Sector Reform (SSR) process. Below is my presentation on behalf of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) during Panel Discussion at the first day of the Security Sector Reform- SSR Forum organised by the UNDP in partnership with UNODC, UN OHCHR and the Gambia Government held at the Ocean Bay Hotel on 2-3 October 2025. Introduction Good afternoon, everyone. I represent the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), an organisation committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Gambian society. My task is to highlight the importance of integrating disability inclusion into security sector reforms. Inclusive security sector reform ensures that security institutions are accessible, equitable, and protective towards all citizens, including persons with disabilities.
Context of SSR in The Gambia The Government of The Gambia has made significant strides in reforming the security sector, guided by the 2020–2024 Security Sector Reform Strategy. This reform aims to build accountable, gender-responsive, and human rights-based institutions. The ongoing legislative and policy revisions are crucial for modernising security governance. However, to truly uphold human rights, these reforms must explicitly recognise and incorporate the needs and rights of persons with disabilities to ensure no one is left behind.
Key Issues Affecting Persons with Disabilities in SSR Persons with disabilities often face multiple barriers when accessing security and justice services. These barriers include inaccessible facilities, communication challenges, and exclusion due to lack of targeted policies. Additionally, security institutions may lack sensitivity or training on disability inclusion. This creates a risk of discrimination and ineffective protection. Addressing these barriers requires integrating disability-sensitive mechanisms in security sector governance and service delivery.
Role of Legislative and Policy Reforms Effective security sector reform is anchored in progressive legislation and policies. Embedding disability rights within SSR laws aligns with international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Such laws should mandate accessibility, reasonable accommodations, non-discriminatory practices, and the protection of persons with disabilities within security operations. Advocating for these legal provisions is essential for enacting meaningful and sustainable reforms.
Promoting Inclusive Security Through Collaboration Inclusive SSR requires strong collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations like GFD, oversight bodies- like the National Advisory Council for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) whose functions is to monitor, advise, and recommend for institutions for disability inclusion of PWD; as well affected communities. The voices of persons with disabilities must be actively included in consultations and decision-making forums. Additionally, capacity building within security agencies to enhance understanding of disability rights is critical for fostering respectful and effective interactions with all citizens.
Strategies for Effective Advocacy and Implementation For security sector reforms to be effective, it is important to establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that track the enforcement of laws and policies. Awareness-raising campaigns and tailored training programs can increase sensitivity among security personnel. Furthermore, accessible feedback and grievance mechanisms should be developed to empower persons with disabilities to report challenges and hold institutions accountable.
Conclusion and Call to Action In conclusion, embedding disability inclusion within the security sector reform agenda is vital for achieving sustainable peace, justice, and development in The Gambia. We call on all stakeholders to prioritise disability rights in finalising SSR laws and to commit collaboratively to a security sector that upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens. Together, we can build a more inclusive and accountable security system. Security sectors should adhere to article 11 of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Article 12 of the AU Protocol on Disabilities and the Rights of Older Person, and Section 16 of the Person of Disability Act of The Gambia 2021, to prioritise PWDs during the situation of risks and humanitarian emergencies. All security policies must be revised and harmonised with the CRPD to ensure effective disability inclusion in the security sector Thank you By Madi S. Njie, on behalf of GFD

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Retired Education Director Advocates Disability Inclusion in Policies Across Sectors

Image
Farafenni – Mr. Lamin Fatajo, retired director from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, delivered a compelling presentation emphasising the critical importance of disability inclusion in national policies and strategies. He highlighted that disability inclusion means intentionally integrating the needs and perspectives of persons with disabilities in policy design, implementation, and evaluation to ensure equitable access to education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. Mr. Fatajo's mde these remarks while presenting a paper on Disability Inclusion in Policies and Strategies during a multi stakeholders forum on the inclusion of persons with disabilities into policies held at the Wallimann Hotel in Farafenni, North Bank Region, from 21 to 22 August 2025. Mr. Fatajo outlined three key models of disability, namely - The Charity Model, criticized for promoting dependency; The Medical Model, which overlooks social barriers; and The Social Model, advocating ba...
Read more

VDF gave additional 3,689 Bags of Sugar, others to orgs, institutions, political parties, Christian Council, others

Image
div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Vision Development Foundation yesterday, Tuesday handed over 3,689 bags of sugar in 10 Kilos as part of their annual Ramadan Gifts donations to needy communities in The Gambia, conducted in an exemplary leadership style coordinated by Momodou Turo Darboe- VDF CEO, who is leading by example in supporting Muslims during Ramadan as required by Islam. Last Tuesday donation also included various political parties in The Gambia. Mr Saihou Fofana - VDF PRO among others said they invited politicians not because they are politicking, but because they know politicians also have followers that will need support during Ramadan. And they invited all the political parties to avoid discriminations. Communities and disabled people organisation, were among Tuesday's beneficiaries. Mr. Saihou Fofana, Vision Development Foundation (VDF) Communication Directors in his welcoming remarks highlighted the Foundation's annua...
Read more

CRS Trains Enumerators for Gender and Disability Audit in Inclusive Education Project

Image
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has begun training enumerators as part of its new project, “Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology and Play”. The training focuses on equipping data collectors to conduct a comprehensive Gender and Disability Audit and baseline survey in schools. CRS said the audit is a multidimensional, structured, and participatory assessment that measures how institutions address gender equality and disability inclusion in policies, programs, budgets, and practices. The exercise will help identify gaps, document good practices, and generate recommendations to improve inclusivity in The Gambia’s education system. The audit will assess issues such as gender-sensitive teaching methods, school infrastructure, physical accessibility, use of assistive devices, and attitudes toward people with disabilities. It will also examine challenges such as gender-based violence in schools, biases in classro...
Read more