Posted by STATEMENT OF THE HON. MINISTER OF GENDER, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL WELFARE (TELECAST)
Fellow Gambians
On the 3rd of December is recognized as International Day of Persons with Disabilities and it is observed globally. This year we are commemorating under Theme: Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is globally recognized and dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Fellow Gambians:
Recognizing the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and inter-relatedness of human rights including the rights of Persons with Disabilities in all human rights instruments, taking cognizance of the fact that one’s disability should not be a condition to hinder him or her from being included to participate in the process of development and nation building.It is in view this that the United Nations agreed on the theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, that is:
Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
This year My Ministry in collaboration with the Gambia federation of the disabled and National Disability Advisory Council will commemorate this day in Basse in the Upper River Region, with the strong conviction to promote and ensure respect for diversity of the affiliated Organisations of Persons with Disabilities therein, to ensure that they feel included and not left behind, thus the reason for decentralising the commemoration. It will include a match pass with the police band accompanying the delegates of the celebration. After the match pass the federation with its affiliated 19 Organisations of Persons with Disabilities will hold a symposium where the stakeholders and duty bearers and Persons with Disabilities and partners will speak on different thematic areas of disability. The symposium will be interactive, and participatory.
As part of the commemoration of the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the federation will hold its Annual General Meeting on the 4th of December. On this day all the affiliated Organisations of Persons with Disabilities will present their annual reports featuring their achievements, challenges and recommendations for the way forward. This will give the federation with its board of trustees and the secretariat to have first-hand information on the work and plights of its members across the country.
Fellow Gambians,
This year my ministry has registered remarkable success in the following areas;
Establishment of National Disability Fund
Provided Financial Support to the Gambia Federation for Disabled and the Disability Advisory Council.
Supported 10 Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to implement their programs and activities.
Support to the University of The Gambia and other tertiary institutions with laptops in which Jaws soft wares are installed, is at an advanced stage. This will enable the visually impaired students or any other interested persons with disabilities to use for the purpose of reading, writing and research.
Under the Family Strengthening Program my Ministry is providing monthly cash transfer to 505 PWDs in all the regions. From January 2024 to date a total of D6,060,000.00 has been disbursed to persons with disabilities across the country.
Fellow Gambians;
Participating in International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a meaningful way to show support for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
The observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
It is imperative for us to create a friendly environment where Persons with Disabilities rights will be respected through dialogue and awareness raising activities at National, Regional and Community levels. You will agree with me however that Government alone cannot do it all we need the support and collaboration of civil society, UN Partners, parents, teachers, religious leaders, NGOs and community-based organizations.
On that note, I wish you all a blessed night and happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities.