The African Disability Protocol Training In Togo

High Table: From right to left AYASSOU Komivi (Président ATA), Mme POLO Nakpa (Présidente de CNDH), M. BILEBA Stanislas (SG du Ministère de l’Action Sociale), M.Lucas AMODA (DE UAFA), Honorable AHUMEY-ZUNU Gaëtan (Non-voyant, député à l’Assemblée Nationale)
African Union of the Blind (AFUB) in partnership with l’Association Togolaise des Aveugles (ATA) held a 3-day workshop (16th -18th December 2020) training under the theme; leadership and advocacy financed by Norwegian Association of the Blind (NABP). The training aims at contributing towards the ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) by governments in 8 target countries, namely; Ghana, Malawi, Congo Brazzaville, Togo, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe Lesotho and Angola. More specifically, it aims at building capacity of the participants on the content of the protocol, empower participants on leadership and techniques of advocacy and their implication in the ratification process and lastly to inform media on the project and for support. President for National Commission of Human Rights, Madam Polo Nakpa in her speech praised Mr. Ayassou Komivi for his relentless effort in promoting Human Rights towards persons with disability and specifically persons with visual impairment. She stated that;

The NHCR aims to support the government in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disability through advocacy and in collaboration with technical partners and Donors

She also presented a scholarship from World Blind Union (WBU) of 435.000 F CFA to a visually impaired student Miss Mamadou Aminatou who is a student at Kara University to encourage her continue with her studies.

The Secretary General, Ministry for Social Action for the Promotion of Women and Literacy Mr. Bileba Stanislas urged the participants to share information that they will learn during the three-day intensive training with their peers.

He further stated that;

Social Inclusion is an area of key focus for all stakeholders

The facilitator reviewed the protocol, the contents of the chapters and articles and its impact and implication on people with disabilities. He defined the term leadership and advocacy and elaborated on advocacy techniques and strategies to get the Togolese government to ratify the protocol. Furthermore, he stated that the impact of the ratification will depend on the will of the government and the lobbying and advocacy of civil society organizations.

Media present during the opening ceremony of the training workshop on the African Disability Protocol are:

  1. Television: Togolese television (TVT)
  2. Radios : Radio Lomé, Radio Victoire FM, Radio Carré Jeunes, https://atoptg.com/download/bulletin-du-17-decembre-2020/
  3. Written press: Togo Presse, Togolese Press Agency (ATOP), Fetaph Info
  4. Presse en Ligne : Proadiph   http://www.proadiph.org/
Photo description; Group work session

Photos of lobbying exercise

Source : L’association Togolaise Des Aveugles (Ata) and Afub Secretariat.