The Union of Persons with Disabilities in Western Equatoria State has called for equal opportunities, greater inclusion and stronger support from the government.
The call was made during a two-day consultation meeting in Yambio on South Sudan’s National Action Plan for Disability Inclusion organized by the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare.
The consultation brought together government officials, persons with disabilities, civil society organizations and development partners to discuss measures to strengthen the rights and inclusion of people living with disabilities.
Moses Luiz Mangianga, Chairperson of the Union of Persons with Disabilities in Western Equatoria, told the media that persons living with disabilities should be treated as capable and productive members of society rather than only recipients of assistance.
“The future of persons with disabilities must be a future of dignity, equality, participation, opportunity and empowerment,” he said.
He also urged the government and development partners to prioritize persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, employment, skills training, economic empowerment, and leadership. He called for greater participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making and urged authorities to consider their views when developing programmes that affect their lives.
According to figures presented by the union, about 2,410 persons with disabilities have been identified in Yambio County, including 1,010 children and about 1,400 adults. The union says the figures need to be verified and regularly updated.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Lubari, Director for Disability at the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Juba, said disability inclusion requires cooperation between government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and persons with disabilities.
“We do not do for them, but we work with them, and we work together,” he stated.
Lubari said South Sudan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 and is working on a Disability Bill and the National Action Plan for Disability Inclusion. He urged persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the national action plan.
For her part, Cecelia Anigunde, WES Minister of Gender and Social Welfare, said the consultation provided an opportunity to document important information that can help strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government systems and development programmes.
“We are here to document very important information that will help the nation, so that people with disabilities can be included in the system,” she said.
The two-day consultation is expected to discuss challenges and practical measures to strengthen the rights and participation of persons with disabilities in Western Equatoria State and across South Sudan.
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