STATEMENT ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission) Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa (the Working Group) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Observed every 3rd of December, this day is a powerful reminder that our continent’s progress, peace, and prosperity are inseparably linked to how we uphold the rights, dignity, and full inclusion of persons with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” challenges Africa to confront systemic inequities and accelerate the transformation toward societies that are accessible, equitable, and fully inclusive. It is a call for bold leadership, anchored in human rights, to ensure that no African is left behind in continental development.
Across Africa, millions of persons with disabilities continue to experience entrenched barriers in education, health, employment, justice systems, infrastructure, social protection, and participation in public life. These barriers are deepened by stigma, discrimination, poverty, conflict, and humanitarian crises. This reality is not only a violation of human rights, it undermines the continent’s social cohesion, economic growth, and democratic governance.
The Working Group acknowledges the commendable steps taken by African states, including the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (African Disability Protocol), domestication of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and increased recognition of the rights persons with disabilities in social protection, health, and development frameworks. However, this momentum is not yet matched by meaningful implementation.
Across the continent, laws are inadequately resourced, policies remain unimplemented, accessibility remains limited, data is insufficient, and the voices of persons with disabilities are too often excluded from the decisions that shape their lives. Africa must do better. And Africa must do so now.
OUR CONTINENT-WIDE CALL TO ACTION
The Working Group calls upon all African governments, regional bodies, civil society, development partners, the private sector, traditional leaders, and the media to take urgent, coordinated, and sustained action. The Working Group demands:
1. Ratification and full implementation of the African Disability Protocol and domestication of the UNCRPD. These instruments must move beyond ratification and signatures; they must shape budgets, laws, policies, and monitoring systems;
2. Meaningful representation of persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making-across all sectors. Nothing for us, without us, must become the standard across Africa;
3. Accessible and inclusive public services, infrastructure, and digital environments. Accessibility is not optional; it is a right and a prerequisite for equal participation;
4. Disability-responsive social protection, health care, mental health services, education, and employment systems. These must be adequately financed, age-responsive, gender-sensitive, and resilient in times of crisis;
5. Collection of reliable disaggregated data to inform policy and ensure accountability;
6. Protection of persons with disabilities during conflicts, disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. Inclusion must be built into Africa’s peace, security, and disaster management frameworks; and
7. Strengthened accountability mechanisms at national, regional, and continental levels for monitoring compliance with disability and ageing rights.
As the Continent marks this year’s IDPD, the Working Group honours the resilience, leadership, and contributions of persons with disabilities across Africa. Their voices, expertise, and lived experiences continue to shape our collective progress.
The Working reaffirms: Disability inclusion is not charity, nor an act of goodwill-it is a human right, a legal obligation, and a moral imperative. It is also a catalyst for Africa’s transformation under Agenda 2063.
The Working Group remains unwavering in its commitment to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. The Working Group stands ready to work with all Member States and stakeholders to build an Africa where every person, regardless of age or disability, can live with dignity, participate fully, and realise their potential.
A just, inclusive, and accessible Africa is possible. And together, we will build it.
Done in Banjul on 3rd December 2025
Honourable Dr Marie Louise Abomo
Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities in Africa
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
