Disability campaigners in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria on Wednesday marked an international day of recognition with urgent calls for warring factions to cease fighting and pursue dialogue.
The appeal for peace was central to events in Torit for the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held under the global theme “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies”.
It came amid recent clashes in the area between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and a joint force of the National Salvation Front (NAS) and SPLA-In Opposition, which have caused civilian casualties and displacement.
William Noel British, chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Union of Persons with Disabilities, said the violence had a severe impact on the community he represents.
“When violence erupts, it is we who suffer the most, unable to flee or defend ourselves,” he told attendees.
“We beseech the government and our counterparts in the SPLA-IO to prioritise dialogue, so that persons with disabilities can live in security.”
William also highlighted a critical lack of educational opportunities, which he said barred people with disabilities from full participation in society. The union has registered more than 3,000 individuals in need of support and essential services.
“There is a dearth of educational institutions for those who are deaf or blind,” he said. “Access to education is a fundamental right, and in its absence, we cannot effectively champion our rights.”
The event brought together government officials, civil society groups, and religious leaders.
Laduma Patricia, the state chairperson for women with impairments, thanked organisations for their support.
A representative of the Islamic Council in Eastern Equatoria, Mohamed Ali Simon, reaffirmed a commitment to collaboration, stating, “We stand united in our belief that all individuals are created equal before God.”
Dominica Idwa, the State Director General of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, acknowledged that socio-economic challenges hampered the government’s response.
She said the ministry was working on policies designed to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities, but that current conditions made decisive action difficult.
The local theme for the day’s commemoration was “Disability is Not Inability”.