The Gambia Federation of Disability has blamed the Gambia government for paying less attention to their needs in the areas of health, education, equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

The Federation is among the biggest organisations in the country with a membership of more than 300,000.

Speaking at a National Stakeholder’s Forum on Tuesday, Magistrate Muhammed Krubally said “since we established this Federation the question one may ask will be whether the Gambia government actually is paying urgent action to the needs of the inherent, the inaliable rights and freedom of person with disabilities in terms of education, equal opportunities, non discrimination and health – the answer is NO.”

He called for equal rights opportunities to be accorded to the people with disabilities as it’s accorded to able persons.

“We feel as person with disability we are not actually protected since there is no existing legislation that will hold the Gambia government, non-governmental organisations and other relevant authorities in addressing our plights,” he said.

The Gambia signed the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disability in 2015.

But the Disability Bill which has been drafted over a decade ago is still pending for approval.

However, the Minister of Information, Ebrima Sillah promised that the bill will hopefully be enacted in either sitting of the National Assembly in September or December this year.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba