By Bida Elly David
A civil society organization has urged South Sudan Government to review the law and policies pertaining promotion and full protection as well as equal enjoyment of rights for persons living with disability (PWDs) in the country.
This call came following recommendations derived from a two-day workshop concerning disabilities’ inclusion on food security and livelihood programs conducted in Jonglei State Capital Bor.
The workshop was organized by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization(CEPO) with support from ZOA Dorcas and attended by 30 participants.
Speaking during the workshop, David Machar, a State Parliamentarian in Jonglei emphasized on the significance of promoting rights of persons living with disabilities towards livelihood programs.
“As a State lawmaker, I would like to say that it is very important to promote the rights of persons with disabilities by involving them to fully participate in food and livelihood programs such that they are encouraged. You the participants should freely share your experiences on disability inclusion with one another including the challenges facing them in various fields. Disability is not inability that means, whatever any human being can do, they will also do’’ Machar stated.
Mark Jambu, a project officer for CEPO said promoting rights of persons with disabilities is a collective responsibility of stakeholders at various levels.
“The objective of the workshop is to ensure and enhance accountability and capacity of duty bearers to address the needs and uphold rights of persons with disabilities thus promoting and nurturing a culture of inclusive governance’’ he underscored.
Furthermore, Jambu advocated for increased acceptance and recognition of abilities from the persons with disabilities to enable them socially and economically contribute to the society.
On his part, Akech Kuol a field officer with CEPO urged the State government to implement all the legal frameworks meant to promote the rights of persons with disability.
Meanwhile, Richard Taban, a representative for ZOA Dorcas also urged the participants to fully share experiences and acquire skills needed to promote and protect persons with disability (PWDs).
At the same juncture he pledged the continued support of ZOA Dorcas to persons living with disabilities in South Sudan.