South Sudan Takes Major Steps Towards Protecting Rights of Persons with Disabilities

In a groundbreaking move towards promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in South Sudan, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and Light for the World have joined forces to establish a sign language learning Centre in Juba. This initiative, in collaboration with the South Sudan Union of Persons with Disabilities and other key organizations, is part of a larger effort to drive advocacy and lobby for the enactment of national legislation focused on empowering individuals with disabilities.

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, emphasized the importance of this upcoming legislative push, stating, “Establishing a legal framework for enforcement of the rights of persons with disabilities is the best approach for mainstreaming disability inclusion in all sectors of society.” He further highlighted the significant role that national lawmakers, who have aligned themselves as allies for disabilities inclusion, will play in driving this agenda forward.

Nema Juma, Communication and Advocacy Officer of Light for the World in South Sudan, echoed the sentiment, noting that fighting against discrimination through a solid legal framework is essential for ensuring the protection of persons with disabilities.

The collaborative efforts extend beyond legislative advocacy, as CEPO revealed plans to finalize a five-year national action plan for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol. This milestone is set to be commemorated with the official signing and launch of the national action plan during the 15th Anniversary of South Sudan’s independence on July 9th, 2024.

The multi-stakeholder initiative, led by the National Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in partnership with key disability-focused organizations, including CEPO, Light for the World, and the African Disability Forum, marks a significant step forward in championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in South Sudan. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative journey unfolds.