By Amadou Manjang
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday at Senegambia Beach Hotel in Kololi, held a Stakeholder Forum on the Promotion of the Rights of Older Persons in The Gambia.
The Stakeholder Forum was attended by NHRC commissioners, representatives of the Organisation of the Elderly, the University of Senior Citizens, Aging with a Smile, and of Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare.
The Forum sought to create a platform to discuss issues affecting the enjoyment of human rights by older persons in the country and map out ways how the State and other stakeholders can address these challenges and ensure Older Persons live dignified, healthy, and secure lives as equal members of society.
At present, there are no specific policies and legal frameworks for the effective protection of older people. Meanwhile, The 1997 Constitution and other national legislation like the Women ’s Act 2010 uphold the human rights of older persons and older women and protect them against from all forms of discrimination and other forms of Violence.
According to the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Saikou Kawsu Gassama, his organization wants to promote the rights of all Gambians including older people. He said the forum is necessary for the protection of elderly people.
The Vice Chairperson, Mrs Jainaba Johm of NHRC, said the forum will offer opportunities for them to have decision on issues affecting the elderly. She added that the forum would help address the challenges.
She said the elderly need a protection net and the discrimination they face should also be addressed. She highlights that the labeling of older people as witches and wizards tantamount to discrimination. She said the elderly need to be empowered so that they can give back to society.
The Interim Coordinator of Ageing with Smile, Sola Mahoney, said the forum is important to listen to all voices about the challenges older people face.
‘Let’s do what we can do by working together,’ he added.
She said older people should not be seen as a burden rather they should be seen as an opportunity because they have something to give back to the Gambia. He said older people are resources that should be mobilised and utilised.
Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, said the forum is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and needs of older people. She said that older people are facing challenges of poverty, health and discrimination among others.
She added that the forum is a catalyst for further dialogue and conversation about the roles of elderly people whose rights need to be protected and promoted.
