20 Jun 2019

Botswana is set to ratify a convention regarding rights of People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

Speaking at commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day recently, Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Moiseraele Goya, said Botswana would establish a national disability framework geared towards responding to Batswana with disabilities.

The framework, Mr Goya noted, would comprise development of the national strategy, legislation and the revised national policy on disability, which would be ready by end of this month

Mr Goya indicated that government had been addressing challenges that led to discrimination and stigmatization through various policy documents, programs and acts, including the health policy on the care of people with disabilities and the revised national policy on education. 

Meanwhile, coordinator of PLWDs at the Office of the President, Mr Thomas Motingwa, urged the nation to assist and give people living with disabilities a fair chance to pursue their dreams. 

Mr Motingwa said since his office was established in 2010 to come up with laws and policies aimed at improving the lives of PLWDs. 

He applauded government for assigning coordinators in various departments to represents people with disability.

Mr Motingwa also praised Tshimologo Association for promoting and protecting PLWDs human rights, from stigma and discrimination, barriers in health, education, and invisibility in social and political arenas. 

“Despite all these challenges, people with albinism remain positive and are still standing strong,” stated Mr Motingwa.

In addition, the chairperson of the Tshimologo Association Ms Ofentse Serurubele revealed that they still faced with challenges of identifying people with Albinism across the country; as well them accepting themselves and their condition. 

She urged government to recognise the day and appealed that it be added in the calendar of the Ofice of the President so it can be commemorated as well. Ends