By Omar Bah
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) calls on the government of The Gambia to establish a National Policy on Older Persons to protect them from discrimination. The commission stresses the importance of adopting the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa and actively creating strategies to involve older persons in national development initiatives. Additionally, the NHRC advocates expanding pension and healthcare services, ensuring financial security, and providing access to essential services for older persons.
The commission is reaffirming its strong commitment to working with the government, civil society organizations, local government authorities, the private sector, and international partners. This collaboration is essential for advocating for the rights of older persons and promoting their meaningful participation in socio-economic initiatives. It underlines the significance of creating an environment where every older person feels valued and lives with dignity and respect.
The NHRC recognizes the substantial contributions of older persons to the development and progress of families, communities, and the country. It is drawing attention to the challenges faced by older persons, including age-related discrimination, poverty, and inadequate access to healthcare. The commission is also addressing the issue of older persons, particularly older women, being falsely accused of witchcraft due to their age, which threatens their dignity and independent living.
The NHRC emphasizes that older persons are entitled to enjoy their rights to healthcare, social protection, and equal participation in all aspects of society, as enshrined in the Constitution of The Gambia and various international human rights instruments. It calls for collective efforts to ensure that older persons live free from discrimination, neglect, or abuse and with dignity and respect.
