2023-12-07 12:27:58
GOMA – Every December 3 of the year the whole world commemorates the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities. In the city of Goma, capital of North Kivu, it was this Thursday, December 7, that this category of citizens celebrated the day under the theme “United in action to save and achieve the SDGs for, with and through disabled people “.
This activity, which brought together more than 100 people from different associations, the MONUSCO Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH), the Social Affairs division of North Kivu as well as a few local partners.
Speaking, the vice-president of the Observatory for the Defense of Disabled People (ODDPH), Pascal Kamonyo Botanyi Joie, called for living together and social cohesion between disabled and non-disabled people. “We must live in unity, mutual acceptance because everyone is important. It is in unity that we can live in peace and also develop many things in our country,” declared Mr. Kamonyo.
The ODDPH representative thanked the Congolese government and the President of the Republic for promulgating the law on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities after advocacy of approximately 12 years. He hopes that a future government will also include people living with disabilities who will be able to participate in decision-making.
The NGO Handicap International has underlined the importance of the inclusion and participation of people living with disabilities in decision-making bodies.
Several questions were asked by participants before committing to knowing their rights as people with disabilities.
During this activity the ODDPH presented its different candidates for the upcoming elections at different levels.
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Image – source: CongoForum
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