By: Bob van Dillen
Consortium Coordinator We are Able!
Towards Food Security And Social Justice!
On Saturday 3 December, we observe the IDPD for the 30th time. This special day was called for by the UN in 1992, because disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, peace and sustainable development. It is also central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind.
The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only an investment in our common future, but also a matter of social justice. When policies are being decided and implemented, persons with disabilities are not being consulted, their voice is not being heard. Their meaningful participation in matters concerning their lives should be guaranteed.
In Central- and East Africa, access to food, water and land for persons with disabilities is hampered by misconceptions and stigmatisation. This is worsened by a lack of physical access and assistive devices. The result has been increasing poverty, food insecurity and hunger.
We are Able!
The We are Able! programme is promoting awareness raising and changing narratives that legitimise their exclusion in decision-making and access to natural resources and services. To do so, we advocate with local and national authorities, in partnership with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and with the final goal of supporting their food and livelihood security.
Together with our partners from Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, the We are Able! consortium calls on everyone to help promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. Let’s push for eliminating the legal, social, psychological and economic barriers faced by them around the world! Together we fight for food security and social justice!
