Please find the clip by member of the parliamentary delegation, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa: https://iono.fm/e/1419541
As a member of the multiparty delegation representing Parliament at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa participated in a session on sustainable action to improve the life conditions of people living with disabilities, including their chances for education and work.
Mr Kwankwa said the session held in the IPU’s Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights today represents an important opportunity for parliamentarians to recognise the conditions faced by individuals with disabilities. “Sadly, in every country, these individuals often find themselves marginalised, deprived of fundamental life experiences, such as access to education, employment, housing, family life, social activities and even the right to vote.” He said the stark reality is that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by poverty because of ignorance and neglect.
According to Mr Kwankwa, policies often overlook, exclude and fail to support the rights of people with disabilities, denying them the opportunity to be integrated into the socio-economic fabric of nations. He said parliamentarians must address these pervasive challenges. “We have the power to push for more inclusive policies that ensure equal access to education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
He added that through promoting accurate data collection and advocating for policies and programmes that support their rights, “We can help counter the invisibility and obstacles faced by this community.” He said parliamentarians are collectively responsible to ensure a society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and lead a life of dignity and fulfilment.
Mr Kwankwa observed that parliamentarians can help shape an environment where individuals with disabilities are visible and valued with equal opportunities to participate and succeed. In South Africa, the rights of persons with disabilities are safeguarded, advanced and promoted through robust legislation and a constitution that prohibits discrimination on any grounds.
He shared with the committee that the South African Sign Language Bill was signed into law recently, recognising sign language as South Africa’s 12th official language. This law marks a crucial step toward realising the rights of individuals with hearing impairments and ensures that the language needs of people with disabilities are met. This, he said, will help them access employment and learning opportunities.
Mr Kwankwa further observed that over the years, the government has expanded the number of special schools and invested in training teachers in specialised areas, including Braille and sign language. As a result, there has been a notable increase in student enrolment within these specialised educational environments.
“In addition, our country has made great strides in supporting individuals with disabilities, including through the disability grant that enables over one million people to lead integrated lives. However, it is essential to acknowledge that much more needs to be done to fully integrate disability issues into our economy and education.”
Meanwhile, the IPU’s standing committees on Peace and International Security and Sustainable Development considered the proposed amendments from various member parliaments on the draft resolution on the social humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence. The committees also considered the draft resolution on partnerships for climate action to promote access to affordable green energy and ensure responsible and equitable innovation.
The multiparty delegation had presented several proposed amendments to the draft resolutions and 11 out of the 13 amendments submitted on the social humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence were accepted by the Peace and International Security Standing Committee.
The delegation also submitted 18 amendments to the draft resolution on partnerships for climate action to promote access to affordable green energy and 14 were approved. The delegation hailed the acceptance of Parliament’s proposed amendments as a great milestone for Parliament and South Africa.
Please find audio by a member of the delegation, Ms Fikile Masiko: https://iono.fm/e/1419498
Nolizwi Magwagwa
26 March 2024
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