The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and other stakeholders on Monday, joined the rest of the world in observing World Disability Day at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) grounds.

Addressing the gathering, Gibou Jagne, interim chairman of the Management Committee of KMC, said in recent years, awareness creation and understanding have been made to promote social justice and normalise the situation in which disabled persons all over the world find themselves.

"However, despite this, tremendous efforts are still needed for the full attainment of future developments and improvements in the life of disabled people everywhere," he said.

Chairman Jagne also praised the successes registered in this noble crusade by the Gambia government under the able leadership of President Yahya Jammeh with the support and help of development partners in the past years.

For his part, Alieu Sowe, deputy director of social welfare, said that December 3, is set aside annually by the UN as World Disability Day. The day, she added is meant to remind people that those with disabilities have the same rights as other members of society and therefore, should be empowered to actively participate in decision-making and national development.

Mr Sowe added that according to the 2003 census, 2.8 per every thousand Gambians have some kind of disability.

"This is no small figure and if they are left out of our development process, we will no doubt have a problem," he warned.

Haddy Lamin Njie, VSO country representative said that the purpose of the day is to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

"It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life," she said.

She described the theme of this year' celebration: 'Decent work for persons with disabilities' as based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities.

Muhammed Kora, president of GOVI, in an interview with the press shortly after the ceremony said the day stands to show to the world that the disabled are useful members of the community and making the disabled useful can only be achieved by training and education.

He expressed appreciation with the positive turnout at the celebration and thanked KMC for their support.