EAC SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS EA PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY REPRESENTATIVES

The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera with representatives of the Eastern Africa Federation of the Disabled (EAFOD), who called on him at the EAC Secretariat headquarters.
--------------------------------------------

The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera  yesterday met officials from the Eastern Africa Federation of the Disabled (EAFOD), who called on him at the EAC Secretariat headquarters in Arusha.

 The ten-man EAFOD delegation was in Arusha to discuss, broadly, avenues of enhancing collaboration with the EAC Secretariat. Specifically, the Persons with Disability representatives and the Secretary General discussed the EAC Disability Policy, the Federation’s desire to acquire observer status in the EAC, as well as mainstreaming of disability in the regional structures, among others. 

 The EAFOD Chairperson, Dr. Samuel Kabue, expressed his gratitude for being accorded the time for an interactive session with the Secretary General. “As a Federation, we are keen on being accorded observer status in the EAC” he said, adding that the Federation looks forward to “work closely with the EAC to include disability issues and concerns and develop common strategies for intervention during its high level meetings within its structures and systems.”

 The views of the EAFOD Chairperson were echoed by the Secretary General of Shirikisho la Vyama vya Watu wenye Ulemavu Tanzania (SHIVYAWATA), Felician Mkude who also  the noted that the challenges faced by Persons living with Disabilities within the region were similar, and therefore appropriate to voice these issues with one voice at the regional level. 

The Secretary General welcomed EAFOD’s interest in the EAC and informed the federation’s representatives that the EAC People with Disabilities (PwD) Policy was in place. “There exist challenges in the implementation of this policy,” Amb. Sezibera said, noting that this will be addressed during the upcoming EAC Conference on People with Disability planned for June this year.

 On matters relating to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons  with Disabilities (CRPD) by the Republic of Burundi, Amb. Sezibera reassured the delegation that the EAC was working closely with the government of Burundi to ensure the convention is ratified in a timely manner. “The government of Burundi is committed to ratify the Convention and is currently finalizing its administrative requirements,” affirmed Amb. Sezibera.

 To enhance the inclusion of people with disability in the EAC integration agenda, the Secretary General has urged EAFOD to submit their application for observer status with the EAC. “Issues of People with Disability are high on our agenda and with observer status, the federation will have a stronger footing in the structure of the Community”, added Amb. Sezibera.

 EAC Counsel to the Community, Hon. Wilbert Kaahwa noted that the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC has a principle that governs the integration process. Hon. Kaahwa noted that, “the integration process is people centered, with Article 120 of the Treaty providing for the full participation of people with disability in the integration process.” “The EAC welcomes your applications and will support EAFOD towards attaining observer status,” he said.

 During the visit, it was agreed that there is a need for EAFOD, with support from EAC, to work towards the establishment of a Disability Council that will amplify inclusion issues on the EAC agenda.

 In addition, the EAC Secretary General challenged the federation to formulate a strategy to ensure the inclusion of representatives of PWD in all EAC structures, such as EALA, youth and women councils among others. “Hon. Dr. James Ndahiro of EALA has been very instrumental in spearheading matters of inclusion in the integration agenda, we wish for more representatives in the EAC structures,” he added.

 In conclusion, EAC Principal Education Officer, Mr. Aloysius Chebet noted that the EAC is in the process of harmonizing education and training curriculum, putting a special emphasis on special needs education.

About the Eastern Africa 

Federation of the Disabled (EAFOD)

 EAFOD is a federation of 14 countries within Eastern Africa region, coordinating the development of disabled peoples’ organisations (DPOs) in the Eastern Africa region.  It is mandated to develop a unified voice of people with disabilities within the region.  Its foundation is based on the understanding that persons with disabilities have to enjoy their Human Rights, have to be included and fully participate in development policies and programmes. For that matter, EAFOD works towards achieving Respect, Dignity and Quality of life for Persons with Disabilities.