Did you know that South Africa is commemorating Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December 2019?
The awareness is raised to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, under the theme ‘Together building South Africa inclusive of Disability Rights’.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) also embraces people living with disabilities, and employees in the SAPS demonstrated their support for persons living with disabilities by participating in different initiatives, including Casual Day.
The National Day for Persons with Disabilities (NDPD) is yet to be celebrated, with the date to be confirmed.
Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM2019) culminates in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that is observed on 3 December around the world.
The year 2019 also marks 12 years since South Africa ratified both the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.
President Cyril Ramaphosa committed the government to join the disability sector of South Africa on a journey toward the full socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
At the meeting, the disability sector delegates highlighted the following five important goals for the attention of the Presidential Working Group on Disability:
• Support for vulnerable groups and strengthening of the criminal justice system to end the victimisation of persons with disabilities.
• Location of government’s Office of Disability within the Presidency as part of the reconfiguration of government
• The adoption of South African Sign Language as the 12th official language
• The domestication of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with the effect that all legislation and the whole of government should mainstream disability;
• Resourcing from various sources, for programmes that support people with disabilities
Celebrate Disability Rights Awareness Month by extending a professional and quality service to persons with a disability.
Remember, they too have the right to receive the same professional services that you would like to be rendered to yourself and your family.
#ZizojikaIzinto if we serve and protect the rights of people with disability.
On a journey to a safer South Africa.
