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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Jul 2013 : 16:22:15
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Surely, this must be a prime example of the usual Gambian excuse,(accurate or not,who knows) "no one from "The Department" has contacted us about this."
Not totally bad news though the Magistrate imposed a fair and sensible sentence,pleasing I am sure both sides.
SENTENCE
“You all are sentenced to caution and discharge; but if you appear before this court again for similar offence, the law will be hard on you (accused persons),” ruled the Magistrate.
Editorial
CONTRADICTORY LAWS, POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Published on Friday, 26 July 2013 15:47 | Written by Ousman Njie
While the Gambia Federation of the Disabled were busy briefing the media about the newly ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) at Tango on Tuesday, at that very moment, the police were busy arresting beggars in the streets of Kanifing Municipality for “wondering and begging in the streets”. On Tuesday, these thirteen arrested beggars who have impairment of one sort or another were paraded at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court’ charged under section 167 of the Criminal Code for being “rogues and vagabonds” because they were found “wondering and begging in the streets” of Kanifing Municipality.
A government at the service of the people will not be out to persecute or oppress them. On the contrary, it will do all within its means to ensure their liberty, productivity and prosperity. It is important to note that the very convention which has been ratified stipulates in article 27 which deals with work and employment: “States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.
States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment..…”
In short, the government is not only obliged to recognise the right of persons with disabilities to work, but its obligation to safeguard and promote the realisation of their right to work.
Furthermore, Article 19 of the Convention states: “States Parties to this Convention recognize the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and shall take effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community….”
The question is what steps or measures have been taken to provide opportunities to work for these 13 convicts so that they will stop begging and live by their sweat.
The law to convict a person because he/she begs in the streets should be reviewed. Wisdom demands that sound economic policies be pursued to reduce poverty, enhance the livelihood of the population and minimize begging. No one likes to be a beggar because it is humiliating and undignified to do so.
http://www.foroyaa.gm/editorial/13827-contradictory-laws-policies-and-practices
AND.
http://www.foroyaa.gm/burning-issues/13825-13-beggars-arraigned-in-court
AND:
http://www.foroyaa.gm/burning-issues/13813-beggars-rounded-up-to-face-prosecution-the-president-urged-to-intervene
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 29 Jul 2013 16:39:20 |
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