(Outpost) Hon. Cherno Ceesay, Disability Rights Defender at the National Youth Parliament has called for disability inclusion in the national policies to actualize broader representation of disability rights.
“in 2026, the gambia must take clear and coordinated action to make disability inclusion a true national priority. the government, caregivers, service providers, and representative bodies including the gambia federation of the disabled (gfd) and its member organisations must work together to ensure inclusion is fully integrated into policies, budgets, and public services. accessibility, equal opportunity, and meaningful participation must be standard across education, health, employment, infrastructure, information, and governance.” he said.
Persons living with disabilities make up of 16 percent of the world’s population and are often overlooked, misrepresented, or ignored, and all forms of perpetuating stereotypes.
He called for shared responsibility from stakeholders. caregivers and service providers to deliver rights-based, dignified, and quality services for persons living with disabilities.
“Inclusion must move beyond commitment to visible and measurable impact, because a fair, resilient, and prosperous gambia can only be built when persons with disabilities are fully included as equal partners in national development.”.
