The National Human Rights Commission’s chairman has called for an end to age discrimination and ageism as it sets out demands for government to implement for the country’s ageing population.

“We believe that every older person is a valued member of society who has the right to participate in their families, communities and society, based on what is important to them,” the commission’s chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof said.

“The Gambia we want is a Gambia in which all older persons can lead dignified, healthy and secure lives as equal members of society. 

“To achieve this, we will have to confront and fight age discrimination and ageism because experience shows that as Gambians grow older, they often face negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination because of their age,” he added.

He continued: “On this International Day of Older Persons, we call on all people living in The Gambia, in particular political and community leaders, civil society and the Government, to commit to working together to tackle ageism and make The Gambia a society for all ages.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba