South Sudan authorities urged to review policies on PWDs
June 19, 2022 (BOR) – South Sudan government has been urged to review the laws and policies aimed at promoting, protecting and ensure full and equal enjoyment of rights for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
The call was part of recommendations from workshop on “Disability Inclusion, Food Security and Livelihood,” held in Jonglei state capital, Bor.
The two-day event, organized by Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) with support from ZOA Dorcas’s ‘We Are Able’ project.
David Machar, a state assembly lawmaker, emphasized the importance of promoting rights of persons with disabilities in food security and livelihoods.
He encouraged participants to freely share their experiences on disability inclusion with one another, including challenges facing persons PWDs.
Mark Jambu, a project officer with CEPO, said promoting rights of persons with disabilities is the collective responsibly of stakeholders at various levels.
“The objective of the workshop is to ensure enhanced accountability and capacity of duty bearers to address the needs and uphold rights of PWDs, thus promoting and nurturing a culture of inclusive governance,” he said.
Jambu advocated for increased acceptance and recognition of abilities of PWDs to enable them socially and economically contribute to society.
For his part, CEPO’s field officer, Akech Kuol urged the state government to implement all the legal frameworks meant to promote the rights of PWDs.
Richard Taban, a representative of ZOA Dorcas, urged the participants to share experiences and acquire skills needed to promote and protect PWDs.
He pledged the continued support of ZOA Dorcas to PWDs in South Sudan.
Conflict, stereotypes, lack of assistive transport devices, stigmatization, insecurity and lack of education, were cited as challenges facing PWDs.
A similar workshop and radio talk shows were organized on the importance of promoting rights of persons with disabilities in food security and livelihoods.
South Sudan is yet to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), an international human rights treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
However, although the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan referred to persons with disabilities and the country has the National Disability and Inclusion Policy, and Inclusive Education Policy, there is no specific legislation in South Sudan for protection of rights of persons with disabilities.
(ST)