Speaking at Rwanda Disability Summit in Kigali on Tuesday, the President of National Union of Disability Organisations of Rwanda (NUDOR), Dominique Bizimana warned that the union’s 13 organisations are likely to stop activities because of financial constraints.
He asked the government and donors to increase the funding to the organisations and put in place a disability policy.
Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka committed the government to improving the welfare of PWDs and cautioned the public against hiding PDWs behind the doors, keeping them out of the sight of those who would help them.
“We have reviewed our laws and made them disability inclusive in order to promote the full enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities. We are discussing with local authorities on mainstreaming persons with disabilities in districts development strategies, actions, plans and contract performance (imihigo),” he said.
Minister Kaboneka said the government released the categories of PWDs last week from which the government will give them special support starting from the first category of disability.
He added that in collaboration with development partners, the government is committed to tackling stigma and discrimination by removing all barriers in registration at a national level; expediting the development of national policy on disability and inclusion and increase resources for the education of PWDs.
On the sidelines of the summit, Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs and Social Protection at the Ministry of Local Government, Dr Alvera Mukabaramba told the media that 150,000 PWDs in the country have been placed in five categories for better consideration in social protection scheme.
She added that the current draft of policy on disability will have been enacted by the next fiscal year starting next month.
The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Joanne Lomas said the British government is passionate about supporting PWDs and pledged further support to Rwanda’s efforts in this sector.
“We are also celebrating what people with disabilities have achieved here in Rwanda. We have seen very inspiring stories. There is need for ensuring that the status of women with disabilities is recognised,” she said.
The British High Commission co-hosted the summit alongside the Ministry of Local Government.
Ms. Lomas added that among their priorities include ensuring that children with disabilities start the school on time and receive the necessary needs for their education.
Rwanda Disability Summit is part of the Global Disability Summit 2018 which will take place in London, UK on July 24.
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