By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
A significant stride towards inclusivity and the recognition of rights for persons with disabilities in Lesotho is marked by a recent workshop focusing on the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021. The event serves as a crucial platform to disseminate information about the Act’s provisions and its potential to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities. The workshop highlights the Act’s commitment to establishing the Persons with Disability Advisory Council, providing opportunities, and recognising the rights of persons with disabilities, among other related matters.
The workshop underscores the importance of shifting societal perspectives and fostering an environment where persons with disabilities are not only accepted but also empowered to participate fully in all aspects of life. A powerful message resonates from Deputy Principal Social Development, Mr. Sekati Makhele, he says persons with disabilities deserve fair treatment in all spheres, from the workplace and sporting arenas to education and public spaces. The workshop highlights that every individual, regardless of their disability, should be treated with dignity and respect, and their rights upheld without prejudice.
A cornerstone of the 2021 Act is the establishment of the Persons with Disability Advisory Council. As highlighted by Mrs. Linkeng Khubetsoana from the Legal Service, this autonomous body holds immense potential to drive positive change. Crucially, the Council possesses the legal standing to sue or be sued, giving it the necessary agency to advocate effectively for the rights of persons with disabilities. Its primary role is advisory, providing guidance to the government on a wide range of disability-related issues.
The composition of the Council is designed to ensure representation and inclusivity. Members are nominated by their respective organisations, guaranteeing that the voices of persons with disabilities themselves are at the forefront of the Council’s work. This participatory approach ensures that the Council’s recommendations and actions are grounded in the lived experiences and needs of the community it serves.
The functions of the Council, as outlined in Section 6 of the Act, are comprehensive and far-reaching. They include:
The Council is tasked with diligently monitoring and evaluating issues concerning disability in Lesotho. This proactive approach allows for the identification of challenges, gaps in services, and emerging needs, ensuring that policies and programs remain relevant and effective.
The Council is responsible for keeping and maintaining a register of residential care facilities and their conditions. This function is vital for ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals with disabilities residing in these facilities. By monitoring conditions, the Council can advocate for improved standards of care and hold facilities accountable.
A crucial role of the Council is to disseminate information to the public on disability issues. This includes raising awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes, and promoting understanding and inclusion. By educating the public, the Council can contribute to building a more accepting and equitable society.
These are just a few of the key functions of the Council. Its broader mandate encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in Lesotho.
The Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021 goes beyond establishing the Council; it also enshrines a range of rights and entitlements for people with disabilities. These provisions are designed to create a level playing field and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of society. Key areas covered by the Act include:
The Act recognises the right of persons with disabilities to live independently. This acknowledges the importance of autonomy and self-determination, empowering individuals to make choices about their lives and living arrangements.
It addresses employment discrimination, stipulating that an employer shall not deny a person with a disability access to opportunities for suitable employment based on their disability. This provision promotes equal opportunities in the workplace and encourages employers to create inclusive and accessible work environments.
It highlights right to education for persons with disabilities. It mandates that necessary steps be taken to recognise the special needs of students with disabilities, particularly with respect to entry requirements and the use of school facilities. This commitment to inclusive education ensures that students with disabilities have access to quality education alongside their peers.
A significant focus of the workshop is the Act’s highlights on accessibility. Mrs. Khubetsoana highlights specific provisions aimed at making public transportation and buildings accessible to persons with disabilities. The Act mandates that the Minister responsible for transport ensure that, within five years of the Act coming into operation, state-owned buses and vehicles transporting the public are adapted to suit persons with disabilities. This includes making necessary modifications as specified by the Council.
Similarly, the Act requires owners of public buildings to adapt their structures within five years of the Act coming into effect, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. These provisions are crucial for enabling persons with disabilities to move freely and independently within their communities, accessing essential services and participating fully in public life.
The workshop on the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021 is a crucial step towards realising a more inclusive and equitable society for persons with disabilities in Lesotho. The Act provides a robust framework for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, and the establishment of the Disability Advisory Council provides a vital mechanism for advocacy and implementation.
However, the true measure of the Act’s success will lie in its effective implementation. This requires ongoing collaboration between government ministries, the Disability Advisory Council, organisations representing persons with disabilities, and the broader community. It also requires sustained efforts to raise awareness about the Act’s provisions and to challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that the promise of the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021 is translated into tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities in Lesotho.