The International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2024 was historic in Somalia, as the Somali government took the decision to sign a law protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. The law provides significant legal protection for persons with disabilities.
The signing of the agreement took place in the presence of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and several government ministers, symbolizing the government’s strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by this often marginalized population.
On the same day, President Sheikh Mohamud signed a law integrating the rights of people with disabilities into the country’s constitution. This was a major step forward in ensuring equality and inclusiveness in Somali society.
The workshop strengthened the voice of people with disabilities
CAFIS, an organization supported by Vikes, that promotes peace, reconciliation and human rights, organized the event to celebrate the progress made on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The workshop brought together a diverse and enthusiastic group of participants, including people with a range of disabilities including visual, hearing and physical disabilities. There were also advocates, activists and stakeholders.
The aim of the meeting was to raise awareness and discuss about the daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities. At the same time, the aim was to highlight the need to promote a change of values in society towards a more accepting and inclusive approach.
The workshop promoted inclusiveness and encouraged equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society, including education, employment and public life. The workshop also highlighted the rights of persons with disabilities and stressed the importance of equal opportunities.
Journalists are part of the transformation of social structures
The meeting served as a reminder of the power of collective learning and support. Vikes’ expert Wali Hashi stressed the need for continuous dialogue among the disability community. He appealed to journalists to bring the debate to the forefront and ensure a broader societal commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Wali highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness and promoting understanding of disability rights, and encouraged the community to engage in future workshops to enable further discussions.
The discussions succeeded in raising awareness, equipping participants with important tools and resources, and creating a network around the issue. Feedback from the event showed that participants were motivated to defend the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and to work tirelessly towards a more inclusive and respectful society for all.
In spring 2025, the work for disability rights will take another major step forward when, with the support of Vikes, the first sign language news programmes will be launched for Somali National Television SNTV.
