Today, the 3rd of December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
The African National Congress once more reaffirms its commitment to the vision of a society that respects and upholds the rights of people with disabilities.
This year’s theme is: “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”, underlining the importance of fostering an inclusive culture and responding to the urgent needs of people with disabilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We call on our Government to seize the moment and continue building health facilities that are accessible and responsive to the needs and human rights of people with disabilities.
At the dawn of a free and democratic South Africa, we made a pledge to create a better life for all. The society we sought to create was that which would promote and protect the rights of all its people, including people with disabilities.
The South African Constitution and international human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, provide people with disabilities equal civil, political, economic, social, and cultural and development rights. Practically, it means they have equal rights to access services such as health, education, employment, transport, recreation and sport.
The ANC invites all South Africans to join the national effort to push back the frontiers of prejudice and discrimination which prevent people with disabilities from becoming productive citizens in their own land.
The ANC will continue to advance and advocate for the creation of an enabling environment for people with disabilities to realise their full potential and to contribute towards the reconstruction and development of our nation.
END
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
