JOINT PRESS STATEMENT | LHR and the Disabled Migrants Rights Networking Organisation mark International Disability Day

Date: 03/12/2024


The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, “Consolidate and Accelerate Rights of Persons with Disabilities into the Future,” serves as a call to action for greater inclusivity. It underscores the multi-faceted challenges faced by migrants with disabilities, while also drawing attention to the government’s shortcomings in promoting respect for human rights. This theme highlights the need for a stronger culture of human rights, effective development strategies, and the comprehensive monitoring and assessment of human rights practices within the country.

Affirmation

The Disabled Migrants Rights Networking Organization (DMRNO), Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and stakeholders’ as well as other partners, highly value the International Disability Day, which is important event in our calendar. This year’s theme “Consolidate and accelerate rights of persons with disabilities into the future” is a phrase which is emphasizing the importance of inclusiveness also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to promoting equality, as outlined in relevant conventions, resolutions, and the Constitution.

Across the continent, many individuals with disabilities continue to face persistent discrimination and remain among the most marginalized groups. They are disproportionately affected by high levels of inequality and poverty, with these challenges worsening, particularly in countries experiencing significant governance and political instability.

The stampede at the Tshwane Refugee Reception Centre in September, though a tragic event, serves as a clear indication of the urgent need for intervention. It highlights the necessity to develop a comprehensive monitoring and advocacy strategy aimed at defending the Bill of Rights. This strategy should focus on raising awareness about the serious concerns stemming from the failure of relevant departments to provide timely and equitable access to documentation.

The infrastructure at the Tshwane Refugee Reception Centre raises significant concerns regarding the lack of accessibility for migrants who use wheelchairs or rely heavily on crutches. These individuals face considerable challenges in processing documentation, renewing asylum permits, and navigating administrative procedures. Such barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, hindering their right to access essential services, including education, healthcare, social relief, and subsidies.

Furthermore, these individuals are at risk of being excluded from the National Health Insurance (NHI) benefits, further exacerbating their marginalization.

Disabled people, vulnerable groups, including both local populations and migrants, are among the most severely affected by the socio-economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown phases.

These groups are already marginalized, living in conditions where life is particularly difficult due to widespread poverty, inequality, and social and economic deprivation, which prevail across much of the African continent.

Additionally, the ongoing crises in the Middle East and the Balkans have further strained global economies, compounding the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations, despite the goals set by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We urgently call for government support in the full implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance.

We further stress that the Bill of Rights, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution, should be respected and upheld to ensure the rule of law and the continued development of a just and democratic society.

Furthermore, we urge the government to recognize and acknowledge the presence of migrants with disabilities in the country. It is imperative that there be empathy for those who are disempowered, as well as victims of violence and exclusion from basic privileges and rights.

In this critical moment, we call on leadership to reflect on the humility required to question and amend discriminatory laws and policies.

The ongoing selective application of justice undermines the values of equality and fairness, and it is essential that the government take steps to transcend these systemic issues.

For further information:

Brian Muziringa, DMRNO

E: bm[at]dmrno.org

Carol Lemekwana, LHR

E: carol[at]lhr.org.za

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