By Baraka John
Persons living with disabilities in Western Equatoria State are calling for greater inclusion in decision-making and development programmes that affect their lives.
The call was made on Wednesday by the Chairperson of the Union of Persons with Disabilities in Western Equatoria, Moses Luiz Magianga, during a two-day consultation in Yambio on South Sudan’s National Action Plan for Disability Inclusion.
The consultation is organized by the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare.
Magianga says persons with disabilities should be recognized as capable and productive members of society, rather than being viewed only as recipients of assistance.
He urged the government and development partners to prioritize people with disabilities in education, healthcare, employment, skills training, economic empowerment and leadership.
Magianga also called for disability offices or focal points to be established in all ten counties of Western Equatoria to improve coordination, data collection, identification of needs and access to essential services.
According to figures presented by the union, about 2,410 persons with disabilities have been identified in Yambio County, including more than 1,000 children and 1,400 adults. However, the union says the figures need to be verified and regularly updated.
Magianga further appealed for greater participation of women with disabilities in leadership and decision-making.
“We need to ensure that people living with disabilities are given equal opportunities and can participate fully in their communities. What is taking place today is very important and offers hope for a better future for people with disabilities in Western Equatoria State. I believe we must continue to focus on initiatives that will bring lasting benefits to people living with disabilities in the state.”
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Lubari, Director for Disability at the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, says disability inclusion requires joint efforts between government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and persons with disabilities.
Lubari says South Sudan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 and is currently working on a Disability Bill and the National Action Plan for Disability Inclusion.
“In 2024, we organized a national consultation on this same document, bringing together Directors General and representatives of persons with disabilities from all 10 states and the three administrative areas in Juba. We spent four days working together to develop the document and ensure that it reflected the views of people from across the country”. He said
For her part, Western Equatoria State Minister of Gender and Social Welfare, Cecelia Anigunde, says the consultation will help document information needed to strengthen disability inclusion in government systems and development programmes.
“This is a very important occasion because we are coming together to raise our voices and develop rules and regulations that can guide and support people living with disabilities. The ideas we collect today should reflect our collective voice and strengthen support for persons with disabilities in Western Equatoria State.” She said
The two-day consultation is expected to identify challenges and practical measures to promote the rights, participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Western Equatoria State and across South Sudan.