This is a fitting theme to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the country as the majority remain marginalised from society. The Commission hopes that the observance of the month will highlight Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which provides for the right to live independently and be included in the community.

DRAM is central to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Commission is cognisant of the fact that a large number of persons with disabilities in the country lack access to meaningful employment or work, lack access to inclusive education, access to housing, and equal access to justice. These rights are but a few of those that are critical to enabling persons with disabilities to live independently in our communities.  

It is the hope of the Commission that the activities being carried out during DRAM by government, civil society, Chapter 9 institutions, and others will ultimately improve the understanding of all in the country of the rights afforded to persons with disabilities. In this regard the Commission urges employers, educators and schools, and the judiciary amongst others to utilise this month as an opportunity to create dialogue around the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Further, it is imperative that government and civil society work together in improving the understanding amongst persons with disabilities from all backgrounds of the rights entrenched in the Constitution and the CRPD, and the remedial mechanisms available when their rights have been violated.

– Ends –

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.