BUJUMBURA December 3rd (ABP) – The Government of the Republic of Burundi has taken various actions to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities, said the Minister in charge of human rights, social affairs and gender, Mr. Martin Nivyabandi, before the celebration, on December 3rd, of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 2018 edition.
He added that a national social protection policy and its implementation strategy have been set up, as well as the Social Protection Support Fund (FAPS). The Government of Burundi also ratified on March 26, 2014, the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a law promoting and protecting their rights was promulgated on January 10 of this year.These actions taken through the Ministry of Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender and other ministries and sectoral structures include reeducation and physical re-adaptation, training in various crafts with the granting of mobility equipment, and granting of the reintegration kit, support for income-generating activities to centers and associations for disabled people, the existence of pilot schools in the framework of inclusive education, free health care for women during the delivery and children under five. The different vaccines offered to children and mothers contribute in one way or another to disability prevention, Nivyabandi said.
Even though so much has been done for people with disabilities, there is still a long way to go, given the vast needs of this vulnerable group, said Minister Nivyabandi. That is why, in addition to the local solidarity day that was launched last year and this law promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities, a national policy for disabled people with its action plan has been drawn up.
The Minister thanked any physical or moral person who sacrifice for the disabled and wished a happy birthday to all people with disabilities.
The solemn celebration is scheduled for December 3, 2018 and this day has to be marked in particular by the visit to the center of the deaf people “EPHATHA” or “EPHPHATA” and the validation of the national policy of disabled people and its action plan.
