On the 16th of October 2017, the African Union of the Blind paid a courtesy call to the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Kenya. The aim of the visit was to discuss with the High Commission on ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) of the African Anion (AU). The country is among the first few African States chosen in the Alliances for Rights – Africa towards Disability Inclusion (ARADI) project to ratify the ADP upon adoption owing to its sound record on disability inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes.
As the second African Decade for Persons with Disabilities comes to a close, the AU is in the process of adopting the ADP to complement the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and to address continued exclusion, harmful practices, and discrimination affecting those with disabilities, especially women, children, and the elderly.
The Protocol requires State parties to ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against; to implement affirmative action to advance their equality; and to take necessary steps to promote equality and to provide reasonable accommodations for them.
The draft Protocol, which was adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in February 2016 is undergoing the treaty-making process within the African Union and is due to be open for ratification in early 2018.
To expedite its entry into force – which requires ratification by 15 States parties – AFUB, together with other regional disability organisations, is seeking the commitment of African governments, through their Embassies and High Commissions in Kenya, to ratify the Protocol as soon as it is open for ratification.
AFUB is proud of Tanzania’s willingness to promote the rights of all persons without discrimination and we thank Her Excellency Dr Pindi Chana for committing to discuss with relevant stakeholders and authorities in Tanzania to facilitate ADP ratification. In the next few coming weeks, AFUB plans to reach at least 20 diplomatic missions in Kenya.