Africa marks Intl Day of Persons with Disabilities

As the world marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, , several African countries used the day to review and reaffirm measures put in place to ensure inclusivity for persons living with disabilities on the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that their country was founded on human rights, and it belongs to all who live in it. Ramaphosa added that having come from a past that was soured by racism and sexism, South Africa will not waver in its resolve to eradicate all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities.

"We will not tolerate a situation where persons with disabilities are denied access to healthcare, employment, education and basic services because of their disability. Our forebears fought and struggled for our freedom, we cannot rest if even a single one of our citizens is a victim of discrimination and prejudice on account of having a disability," Ramaphosa said in a virtual address.

The South African president added that the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the difficulties people with disabilities face in a number of sectors, from accessing healthcare to using public transportation and seeking employment.

"In line with our commitment to building back better towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world, we must ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind. To empower persons with disabilities is not charity. It is not a favor or a demonstration of our goodwill as a government. It is their right, as it is the right of every South African," Ramaphosa said.

In the Democratic Republic Congo, Irene Esambo, the country's first minister for disabled people who lives with a disability herself, spent the day around the districts of Kinshasa, the country's capital, to sensitize communities on the challenges facing people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We need to think about how to plan and act by putting the handicap issue among the priorities in the fight against COVID-19. I am pleased to announce that the proposed organic law promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities in the DRC was finally adopted by the National Assembly and sent for second reading to the Senate," Esambo said.

In March this year, Esambo presented a bill to parliament aimed at addressing the rights of persons with disabilities regarding education, employment and health care, as well as the protections to be provided against abuse and discrimination.

Speaking in Kenya while launching a ward for children with disabilities at a hospital in the capital, Nairobi, William Ruto, the country's vice-president, said the country is instituting policies that will make leaders better understand and be more committed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

"We have taken decisive action and prioritized support and care for people with disabilities, especially during this challenging and worrying time when we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring they have good health is vital in ensuring they are able to work and be engaged in community activities," Ruto said.

In his message to mark the day, Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, echoed the message by African leaders by calling for the involvement of persons living with disabilities in the world's quest to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, which has ravaged the world for the better part of 2020.

"As the world recovers from the pandemic, we must ensure that the aspirations and rights of persons with disabilities are included and accounted for in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world. This vision will only be achieved through active consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations," Guterres said.