By Ginaba Lino
The National Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, in partnership with the South Sudan Union of Persons with Disabilities and supported by various partners, has launched a four-day consultative workshop.
The workshop aims to discuss the National Action Plan for implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Disability Bill.
In her opening remarks, Minister Aya Benjamin Warille described the event as historic, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the UNCRPD’s implementation. She acknowledged the progress made in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities but noted that much work remains to be done.
“The National Action Plan we’re discussing today is a testament to our unwavering commitment,” Warille said. “It outlines clear strategies to ensure the provisions of the Disability Bill are realized.”
Augustino Wudu, Chairperson of the South Sudan Union of Persons with Disabilities, urged the government to prioritize the implementation of the signed documents, stressing the need for equal rights for all.
“It’s easy to sign documents, but implementation is often a challenge,” Wudu stated. “We need this Action Plan to be fully disseminated and put into practice.”
Erik Daniel Bunnskog, Head of Operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reiterated the ICRC’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in South Sudan, particularly those with mobility impairments. He called for the convention to be operationalized, transforming it from text to tangible action.
The workshop, organized under the theme “Disability Inclusion through Legislation,” seeks to address the ongoing challenges in implementing the rights of persons with disabilities, which South Sudan ratified on February 23, 2023. Despite this, the realization of these rights remains a significant challenge.