The physically challenged people in Eastern Equatoria are calling for their representation in the state government.
They say the government should consider their participation in the formation of the revitalized transitional government of National unity.
Pastor William British Noel is the chairperson of people living with disability in Eastern Equatoria State.
Talking to Journalist at the state secretariat he said, the government should consider them in the formation of the state leadership.
William added as fighting continues, the number of physically challenged people increases in the state and the country at large.
‘We at union of disability in the state want to tell you our problems, we are not happy, we have people educated among us and yet we are not represented in the government. We should be included in the revitalized government of national unity’.
The secretary of the Association James Ochan read the petition written by the group voicing their concerns to be represented at the state government.
He called for their representation in the state legislative assembly.
Ochan, said since independence of South Sudan in 2011, disabled persons have not been considered in any political arena making them feel isolated by the state government.
‘The union of person with disability is an umbrella of association of persons with disability across the state legally registered as body that can advocate for participation of persons with disability, in all programs, economically, socially and politically. Since the independence of South Sudan our participation in decision making at state political arena was not considered, we feel discriminated and it’s violation of our rights as citizenship’, the secretary lamented.
Ochan called on all parties to the revitalized agreement to ensure participation of persons with disability in the assembly and other offices.
According to ochan inclusion of disable persons at any level of government is a constitutional right of every citizen.
While Susan Ifuho the chairperson of visually impaired persons in Eastern Equatoria state said their rights are not taken in to consideration.
She called for unity among disable and able persons to strengthen the government.
‘We want inclusive state government no one should be left behind we can also deliver if given the chance to serve our community’, the chairperson explained.
Governor of Eastern Equatoria state Louis Lobong Lojore said the country has allocated position for people with disability at all leadership of the state, because of their struggle during war in the liberation of the country.
‘You people of disability contributed for peace in our country, the constitution gives you the right to serve this country. So you are heroes of this country, without you this country may not been there. I want to tell you that affirmative action for SPLM 35% for women, 20% for youth and disable persons is there. Your representative will be there and we will stand with you’, the governor of Eastern Equatoria said.
The speakers were talking at the State Secretariat on Wednesday in Torit.