Juba, South Sudan,
December 4, 2021 – The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), a civil society organization, calls on the Government of South Sudan to increase efforts to include persons with disabilities in decision making process at all levels in the country.
The call comes as South Sudan joins the rest of the world to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on December 3.
According to the Executive Director of CEPO, Edmund Yakani, excluding people with disabilities in governing institutions is a clear human rights discrimination and it is unacceptable.
“Excluding persons with disabilities in our institutions is a clear human rights discrimination act, which is unacceptable. The national bill of rights embraces inclusion in public life, but government, private and non-governmental organizations are not including person with disabilities in decision making process,” said Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO.
The civil rights organization calls upon donors to fund projects for inclusion of persons with disabilities.
“Donors should to increase direct funding to institutions that champion voices and action for participation of persons with disabilities in public life,” said Yakani.
Meanwhile, CEPO is engaged in the establishment of the “Parliamentary Allies for Inclusion of Disabilities” at national, states and political administrative areas level.
According to CEPO Director, this caucus will stand up for the inclusion of persons with disabilities at the national, state and political administrative area assemblies.
This year’s theme was “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.
Since 1992, the day is observed to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
