THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS &
INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
However, there is no specific legislation for the protection of the rights of the elderly which is defined in the
Women’s Act 2010, as a person at the age of sixty (60) years or more. Consequently, the State is enjoined
to ensure special protection of the elderly. In Section 54 of the Act, the State is obliged to provide protection
to elderly persons and most especially to elderly women and to take specific measures commensurate with
their physical, economic and social need. Furthermore, the State must ensure the right of elderly to
freedom from violence including sexual violence, discrimination based on age.
Furthermore, a National Social Security policy was formulated in 2011 and validated by all stakeholder in
2014. The elderly are also entitled to the rights protected under Chapter IV of the 1997 Constitution of the
Republic of The Gambia. Their rights are also protected by international and regional instruments on
Human Rights, ratified by The Gambia. The Pensions Act No.18 of 1950 and Social Security Act No. 13 of
1981 are the other regulations for the protection of the economic, and social rights of the elderly.
Protection mechanisms for the elderly
In order to ensure that the rights of the elderly are protected, The National Social Protection Policy
which has been approved by Cabinet, contains a number of strategies aimed at improving the
welfare of the elderly, such as substantial investment in social protection for the elderly through
financial allocation to meet their needs in the national budget, provision of health care services,
reproductive care and social services. The National Social Protection Policy has adequately
addressed the care needs of elderly person, with measures to strengthen standards and practice
for the support of the welfare of elderly persons.
A National Steering Committee on Social Protection was established in 2011. This committee is
chaired by the Office of the President, hosted at the Department of Social Welfare. The committee
meets quarterly since 2011 and has so far held four National Consultative Forums. The fact that
this committee is chaired by the office of the president is a clear manifestation of the Government’s
commitment to the rights of the elder in the area of social protection. Training on Social Protection
is provided to the members of the committee who are representatives of Inter-Sectoral agencies;
with a focus on the socio-economic welfare protection of the elderly.
The Department of Social Welfare has also increased its financial resource allocation to provide
welfare services to the elderly. This has resulted to an increase in service delivery to more destitute
elderly persons, in spite of the ever growing demands of such services.
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