Djibouti (Hornpost) The President of the Republic, His Excellency Ismail Omar Guelleh, made this statement at the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the National Week of Disabilities.
Placed under the high patronage of the Head of State, this event, which took place this Thursday at the People’s Palace, did not deviate from the principle of serving as a platform for evaluating and appreciating the journey our nation has traveled in terms of improving the conditions of our citizens living with disabilities.
That is why, in his speech to the tribune of this ceremony, President Guelleh immediately delivered on the comprehensive account of the measures and reforms regularly adopted by our country in his determination to value “the dignity, protection and civic participation of our compatriots” having special needs.
“Since the establishment of the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities, our country has taken great strides.” We have elevated the issue of disability as a national priority,” the Head of State said, reviewing the most emblematic measures taken by the Republic of Djibouti in terms of policy relating to greater inclusion of disability disabilities. fellow citizens living with disabilities.
“It is in this momentum that we have ratified the African Charter for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” stressed the President of the Republic, who specified how much this reform serves as a cornerstone and original reference for adoption and “putting” as part of the National Disability Strategy (2021-2025), structured around three axes: improving living conditions, access to livelihoods and finally building an inclusive society.
In the series of efforts undertaken by our country in view of the full and complete integration of its citizens living with disabilities, President Guelleh also mentioned the implementation, under the auspices of the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities, of an updated register of the personnel of Djibouti with disabilities.
He also mentioned the “Disability Support Fund set up by the Government” and which “allowed to finance heavy equipment and operations… But also targeted support for the most vulnerable families.”
In his speech, President Guelleh also quoted “the emergence of the first promotion of blind bachelors last year … and the creation of 150 budget positions reserved for persons with disabilities in public service” as other significant progress our country has seen in the issue of disability.
That said, even though the Republic of Djibouti would have made a giant step in the inclusion and socio-economic integration of persons living with disabilities, the Head of State however refused to triumphalism, stating that our nation still has a long way to go on this subject.
“The National Disability Week has been an interactive moment of dialogue and consultation,” the President of the Republic welcomed the most, is of the opinion that she has associated all relents to serve as “a prelude to a new decade-long strategy within the framework of policies Public, inclusive and integral.”
In addition to the speech by the Head of State, the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the National Disability Week featured many screenings and retrospect’s filmed on the different stages that marked the history of the problematic disability in our country.
The event also particularly incorporated humor-blending sketches and ingenious moral lessons performed by highly inspired national artists.
As is usual, the National Disability Week also did not fail this year to lead to the awarding of the Head of State Award.
Out of three, the winners awarded this edition are namely and in order of merit:
-Mohamed Ali Chehem, distinguished for his book “The Resilience of Exemplary Life Journeys”, a book that provides valuable recipes to people living with disabilities.
-The Burooj Association, a collective of parents who are advocating for the conditions of children living with neurological problems.
-Mrs. Amina Ali Mohamed for her commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for women and young people living with disabilities.
Colorful event, a large crowd took part in the event alongside high-ranking foreign officials including Representatives of the Chancelleries and Consular Corps as well as diplomats in charge of the in the United Nations System in Djibouti.
Pictures of the event:
Prepared by
Hornpost staff reporter
