Eastern Equatorian persons with disabilities demand equal rights and end of discrimination
The Eastern Equatoria Disability Federation expressed concern that their rights were not being adequately protected. To address this issue, the entity advocates for awareness-raising campaigns to reduce discrimination and stigmatization.
“I am speaking out on behalf of the women who face these difficulties. We want the government to do more to protect us from gender-based violence and unfair treatment,” said Susan Ifoho-Gallery, executive director of the state Association for the Visually Impaired Susan Ifuho Galerio said.
She made the call as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other partners.
In Eastern Equatoria State, only 1,247 persons with disabilities or special needs are officially registered.
“Registration is far from complete in many parts of the state. We face logistical and other challenges and do not receive enough support from government to overcome them,” said William UK Noah, president of the Disability Alliance.
Muroga James Ardris, representing the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, argued that local authorities must give due consideration to this vulnerable group.
“Disabled people have exactly the same rights as everyone else, which means relevant departments must develop a range of budgets to meet their needs. Implementing this will encourage partners to fill any financial gaps that may exist in government,” he said.
Members of the state legislative assembly attending the event pledged to examine how to better address the challenges faced by this important and vulnerable minority group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
