Keeping the promise
ETHEL MOTSUMI | Wednesday December 8, 2010 00:00
It is therefore an honour and privilege for me to be present at this occasion to talk to you about issues affecting People with Disabilities in commemoration of this day. The theme for this year's commemoration, is 'Keeping The Promise: Mainstreaming Disability In Millenium Development Goals Towards 2015 And Beyond'.
This theme is intended to promote commitments made by member states of United Nations Organisation to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities within the context of the Millennium Development Goals. I am happy to report that Botswana is on the right track in working towards achievement of these goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, This day is celebrated annually by the international community. It is a day that people with disabilities and all interested parties, Government, Non-Governmental Organisation, Civic Society and the Private Sector come together to consult and share ideas on fundamental care, welfare, education and training of people with disabilities. It is a day of self assessment, a day in which progress on the lives and support provided to people with disabilities is evaluated and gaps identified for further improvement.
The annual observance of this day, was established by the International Year for Disabled Persons in 1981. In order to facilitate the annual observance of this day as well as promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, the UN introduced the World Programme of Action and Standard Rules on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 1982 and 1983 respectively. With this observance, the United Nations is committed to promoting human rights for persons with disabilities as a way of ensuring social justice and equality in all aspects of societal development.
This commitment has resulted in the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006. The Convention provides an impetus and unique platform for advancement of the international disability rights agenda in development from which to engage the wider global development community. Work within this community is framed by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed development goals. Although many commitments have been made by the international community to include persons with disabilities in all aspects of development, the gap between policy and practice continues to exist. As stated earlier the Government of Botswana has made progress in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, as evidenced by the different programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Batswana.
To lead by example in promoting the interest, welfare and Rights of People with Disabilities, the Government has established the Office of People with Disabilities to provide the much needed coordination of the activities of people with disabilities. Let me hasten to appreciate the role that has been played by the different ministries and civic society to champion the course for people with disabilities. I wish to specifically thank the Ministry of Health which has played the coordination role over the past years, which has now been handed over to the Office of the President as part of its overall mandate.
Ladies and GentlemenLet me take this opportunity to share with you the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities under the MDGs.
a) Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger:Poverty is both a cause and consequence of disability. People with disabilities face stigma and discrimination in their communities. It is however, government's resolve to end all stigma and discrimination. As a way forward people with disabilities will form part of the Government drive to eradicate poverty as they will be involved at all levels of this initiative.
b) Achieving universal primary educationChildren with disabilities are still among the most marginalised and least likely to go to school. The correlation between low educational outcomes and having a disability is often stronger than the correlations between low education outcome and gender, rural residence or poverty. To ensure that children with disabilities are not left out of the education system, the Government through the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is implementing an inclusive Education Policy, which provides special education for the needy.
c) Promoting gender equality and empowering womenMany women with disabilities face discrimination based on both gender and disability. Women with disabilities are more likely to be denied access to education and employment opportunities and are at increased risk of violence and abuse than those without disabilities. Women who care for family members with disabilities face significant hardships particularly where there are limited support services
d) Reducing child mortalityGlobally there are approximately 200 million children with disabilities. Children with disabilities are more at risk of dying, not only because of life threatening medical conditions or lack of access to health services, but also because in many cultures they are neglected or left to die. It is for this reason that Botswana Government through the Ministry of Health is providing vaccinations to children under five years to prevent mortalities that may arise as a result of protection from childhood diseases.
e) Improving maternal healthMillions of women experience morbidity and disability as a result of pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Women with disabilities who become mothers themselves need particular consideration during pregnancy, delivery or when bringing up children.
f) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseasesInfectious diseases are disabling; for example, HIV can cause blindness, neuropathy and dementia. At the same time people with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting HIV. The Government of Botswana has through the Ministry of Health and BOTUSA produced information and education materials in braille, compact discs and audio tapes to pass messages on HIV/AIDS Prevention to people with disabilities.
g) Ensure environmental sustainabilityEnvironmental risks such as poor sanitation, poor water quality and natural disasters can cause ill health and disability. Many people with disabilities face barriers in accessing community facilities such as wells and latrines and they are often excluded from disaster management activities. Disabled and elderly people, particularly in the rural areas of developing countries, often find it difficult to move around their homes and communities due to inaccessible buildings.
Ladies and GentlemenThe Office of the President, through the Coordinating Office for People with Disabilities has decided to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in order to reflect with you on the progress made in the implementation of the MDGS with regard to People with Disabilities.
It is most gratifying to note that Botswana is one of the countries that have responded positively to the many United Nations Declarations including the 1981 year of the Disabled Persons; the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; the 1990 World Conference on Education for All (EFA); the 1993 United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities as well as the 1994 Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education by adapting two National Policies, that is;
* The 1994 Revised National Policy on Education by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development; and* The 1996 National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities by the Ministry of Health.
The National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities outlines the national response to the demand for a coordinated delivery of service and care for people with disabilities, for indeed their needs require coordinated effort.
It describes the roles of various Government Ministries, the Private Sector, Non Governmental Organisations, Community Leaders and people with disabilities in the national response. Through this policy the Ministry of Health has adopted Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities. Community Based Rehabilitation advocates for provision of facilities, infrastructure and other resources to people with disabilities where they live. Therefore, the Policy provides rehabilitation, as well as empowers people with disabilities through inclusiveness in national development.
The Revised National Policy on Education provides for the education and training of all children and youth including those with special educational needs. The main thrust of the policy is to increase access and equity by providing quality and relevant education as well as lifelong education and training to all sections of the population.
Ladies and GentlemenLet me thank you all for your presence here, which to me signifies your commitment to the welfare and rights of people with disabilities. I thank you. PULA!!!