It calls for reflection on the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.

The theme for this year is ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’. The theme focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognises disability as a cross-cutting issue, to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The most recent statistics indicate that 7.5 percent of the South African population is made up of persons with disabilities. However, few of persons with disabilities are fully and effectively included into society and afforded opportunities for participate on an equal basis with others. Instead, persons with disabilities are marginalised from society due to stigma and misinformation, and structural impediments.

Women and girls with disabilities particularly of African descent, remain the most marginalised in our society and are amongst the most affected by violence and other forms of abuse. As IDPD falls squarely within the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, it is vital that the voices of women and children with disabilities are included and heard. Where human rights and other such violations occur it is imperative that people are aware of the remedial mechanisms available to them including but not limited to the SAHRC.

The Commission continues to work with private and public employers and educators in order to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in workplaces and schools. This is a critical area through which persons with disabilities can be empowered to live a life of equal opportunities and live independently in society. It is the hope of the Commission that workplaces and schools can adopt policies and practises that mainstream the rights of persons with disabilities and reduce stigma and marginalisation.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.