Disability Council Chairman Highlights Legal Framework and Core Principles of Inclusion

The Chairman of both the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) has underscored the significance of The Gambia’s disability legislation and the core principles guiding disability inclusion during a sensitisation session held at Saama Kairo Foundation Hall in Brikama Kabafita, West Coast as part of the Council's regional sensetisation on the implementation of the Person with Disabilities Act, 2021. Speaking at the event on 14 November 2025, Chairman Krubally said the activity was organised by the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities established under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021, a law that provides the legal foundation for promoting, protecting, and monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities in the country. He noted that while the Act is not itself a disability policy, it creates a specialised body composed of representatives mandated to oversee the implementation of the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities. “The Council monitors compliance and advises institutions that fail to adhere to the Act, ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected, protected, promoted, fulfilled, and realised,” he said. The Chairman emphasised that the Act is domesticated from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which The Gambia ratified in 2015. While the Convention contains 50 provisions, The Gambia’s own legislation expands this to 71, covering key rights including education, employment, healthcare, transportation, rehabilitation, communication, liberty and security, family life, privacy, and protection from violence and abuse. “These rights are obligations that must be upheld by government institutions, NGOs, parastatals, individuals and all authorities working in the interest of persons with disabilities,” he stressed. He also elaborated on the eight guiding principles found in Article 3 of the CRPD, Section 4 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons. These principles, he said, must be understood and embraced by the public to ensure persons with disabilities live dignified lives. His Worship Krubally — who is The Gambia’s only visually impaired magistrate, serving as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrate’s Court, Chairman of the GFD, Secretary General of GOVI, and Secretary General of the West African Federation of Persons with Disabilities noted that the principles include: 1. **Respect for diversity and individual autonomy**, including freedom of choice and independence. 2. **Non-discrimination**, as reinforced by Section 33 of the Constitution. 3. **Accessibility** to public and private services, information, communication, and facilities. 4. **Equality of opportunity** in development, education, employment, and other areas. 5. **Respect for differences** and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity. 6. **Recognition of shared humanity**, emphasising the equal worth and dignity of all persons. 7. **Equality between men and women**, ensuring inclusive participation for all. 8. **Protection of children with disabilities**, who he described as particularly important to society. He reiterated that persons with disabilities are equal members of society and should not be belittled, mistreated, or excluded. “The Gambia belongs to all of us,” he said. “We must ensure every person—men, women, and children with disabilities—enjoys their full rights and opportunities.” The Chairman concluded by urging all institutions and community members to uphold these principles and continue advocating for an inclusive society where every individual lives with dignity. Other speakers included Representing the Ministry of Justice, Senior State Counsel Fatoumatta Drammeh and Modou Suwareh- Mr. Modou Suwareh, Principal Social Welfare Officer representing the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare
Participants also made comments, observations and recommendation. Further details will be provided soon. Similar sensitisations seminars will be held in various regions of The Gambia Further details will be provided soon

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