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Report by: Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol
The Union of Persons with Disabilities in Eastern Equatoria State has expressed concern over the inadequate protection of their rights. To address this issue, the union is calling for an awareness campaign to reduce discrimination and stigmatization.
Susan Ifuho Galerio, the Executive Director of the Association of Visually Impaired Persons in the state, said, “I raise my voice on behalf of women facing these challenges. We want our government to do more to protect us from gender-based violence and unfair treatment.”
Her call came at the time when the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other partners, was celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
A total of 1,247 persons with disabilities or special needs have been officially registered in Eastern Equatoria State.
William British Noah, the Chairperson of the Union of Persons with Disabilities, stated, “Registration is far from complete in many parts of the state. We are facing logistical challenges and others, and we are not receiving sufficient support from the government to overcome them.”
Muroga James Adris, representing the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, emphasized that this vulnerable group must be properly considered by local authorities. He said, “Persons with disabilities have exactly the same rights as anyone else, which means that the relevant ministry must allocate a budget to meet their needs. Implementing this will encourage partners to fill any financial gaps the government may have.”
Members of the State Legislative Assembly who attended the event pledged to investigate better ways to address the challenges faced by this marginalized and vulnerable group.
