Rwanda: People with Disabilities call for Senatorial Seat

 

People with Disabilities have called for more positions in decision making with at least a seat in Rwanda’s Senate.

The Call was made on Tuesday, 3 December, 2019 at the celebration of the International Day of People with Disability.

At the national level the IDPD 2019 was celebrated in Nyamagabe in the Southern Province of Rwanda.

Speaking at the celebration, President of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Romalis Niyomugabo said that there is a need for more representation in decision making institutions with at least a representation in senate as it is in Parliament.

The highest representation level of Persons with Disabilities is the Parliamentary seat.

However, Niyomugabo said if they are given more representations in the decision making level, it will be easy to advance the implementation of all programs that are meant to improve the well-being of PWDs.

On this issue, the Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs NYIRARUKUNDO Ignatienne who was representing the Government didn’t comment much, however, she said, the Government has decided that in the coming seven years, persons with Disabilities should reach another level better than the current situation.

She demonstrated key achievement made so far, among them there are establishing the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, supporting various Union and Associations of Persons with disabilities, Promotion and enforcing laws related to the rights of PWDs, giving them a permanent seat in Rwanda’s Parliament as well as more representations in local Government institutions among others.

Nyirarukundo emphasized that it is a important for everyone to play a role to ensure that all citizens are moving together towards the inclusive sustainable economic growth.

“Today we are celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a national pride to celebrate this important day to demonstrate the Government commitment towards the well-being of the citizens.” She said.

However, Nyirarukundo asked PWDs to play an active role using the ability they have stressing that “Disability is not inability.”

“It is time for you also to fight for your rights and make sure that people are complying with them.” She said.

“There are rights and obligations. So you are also obliged to play an active role for your well-being. Report whoever undermining your rights as persons with disabilities.” Minister Nyirarukundo added.

The theme for this 2019 IDPD is ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’

In Rwanda, the Day was celebrated under the theme “Future without Barriers for Persons with Disabilities.”

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU