Mogadishu – At an event to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Somalia, the United Nations today commended the Federal Government for its progress in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. 

“I would like to congratulate the Somali Government for reaching significant milestones in the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. These include the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, establishing the National Disability Agency (NDA) and most recently the Cabinet’s approval of the Disability Rights Bill,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho.

In anticipation of further developments, the Deputy Special Representative also expressed the hope that the legislative process would result in the passage of the Disability Rights Bill, emphasising its importance for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“The United Nations looks forward to Parliament passing the Disability Rights Bill and, thereafter, it being signed into law,” she said. 

Ms. Gbeho had been speaking at a joint observance of the Day, which also served as the launch of the NDA’s National Disability Assessment Report and the presentation and validation of a five-year Strategy and Action Plan for the NDA. 

The event brought together organisations of persons with disabilities, government officials, and international agencies and partners to spotlight the achievements and challenges of persons with disabilities in Somalia.

“I would like to express gratitude to all international partners, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, for their continued support to persons with disabilities as a clear demonstration of commitment to serve all Somalis. Because ultimately, we look forward to contributing to Somalia’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous and stable society where no one is left behind,” Ms. Gbeho said.

Significant step

Based on a global average of 15 per cent of the population having a disability, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people in Somalia have a disability. However, due to the prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises, this figure for Somalia is likely to be higher.

In her remarks, the Deputy Special Representative highlighted the importance of the National Disability Assessment Report, which was supported by the United Nations.

“Today’s launch of the National Disability Needs Assessment report, which took one and a half years to complete, is another significant step of a clear determination to place the rights of persons with disabilities at the forefront – all these are parts of inclusion efforts to ensure that no one is left behind,” Ms. Gbeho said. “The National Disability Needs Assessment report is important as it will provide a better understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Somalia. The report highlights a number of key challenges faced by persons with disabilities including their experiences with discrimination, difficulties reaching humanitarian assistance and education, and lack of inclusion in decision-making processes.”

“Moving forward, the next steps will be to see the implementation of the recommendations in the report materialise,” she added. “Achieving these will ensure that persons with disabilities are included in all aspects of life.”

Most vulnerable

According to the Somalia National Development Plan 2020-2024, persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable in Somalia and are among the disadvantaged groups that lack any form of social and labour protection.

The NDA was established in 2018 and officially launched in July 2021 to promote and mainstream disability rights in existing policies, laws, programmes and institutions. It also seeks to serve people with disabilities equally in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992. The Day is a global celebration of the rights, dignity, and achievements of persons with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.