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 Persons with physical disabilities also face challenges in accessing public buildings as rams, elevators and escalators are unavailable in most of these public facilities; thereby causing adverse restrictions to the freedom of movements of persons with disabilities. In terms of access to education and information at work places, blind and visually impaired persons lack accessible facilities such as information braille systems, audio tape recorders, large print etc. to enable the blind or visually impaired work efficiently and effectively. In terms of general access to information, there are no sign language interpreters at work places and on Television during news broadcasts. Persons with disability continue to face transportation challenges as they complain that commercial drivers are often unwilling to carry them, especially wheelchair users because of the added burden of assisting them on board vehicles. The Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol on the 1st July 2013; in expression of its political will to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. There is also a draft Disability Bill which seeks to domesticate the Convention. The bill makes provision for equality and non-discrimination of disabled persons, special protection for children with disabilities, accessibility for the disabled persons, freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for persons with disability, freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse, adequate standard of living and social protection as well as the need for participation in political and public life, amongst others. The Department of Social Welfare (DSW) has devised a mechanism for addressing some of the concerns of PWDs, in collaboration with The Gambia Federation of the Disabled – Disability Employment Services. The DSW has drafted a Plan of Action which is currently under review. This Plan of Action is aimed at implementing priority activities during the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2010-2019). It has established a Disability Plan of Action and engaged in Media Campaigns to promote the rights of persons with disability (community radio programmes, television talk shows and newspaper articles). Furthermore, it has produced a documentary on PWDs in active and productive ventures for advocacy purposes. II. Measures taken to deal with harmful cultural practices against women and children 23