Good practices for inclusive local governance in West Africa Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo DISCLAIMER
The “Rights in Action” initiative is part of a broader regional project - DECISIPH - which addresses the issues of rights, equality, citizenship, solidarity, and inclusion of people with disabilities across six countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this report are entirely those of the authors and its contributors and should not be attributed in any manner to Handicap International’s donors or partners. Only Handicap International/Regional DECISIPH Coordination is directly responsible for the materials published in the «Rights in Action» report.
For copies of this report, please contact Handicap International Regional DECISIPH Coordination ([email protected]) or visit the Making it Work website (www.makingitwork-crpd.org).
© Handicap International owns the copyright to this publication, which can be used and reproduced, provided the source is mentioned (© Handicap International) and it is not for commercial use. Rights in Action - Good Practices for Inclusive Local Governance in West Africa, Handicap International, 2010.
THE MAKING IT WORK INITIATIVE For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.makingitwork-crpd.org.
2 - Rights in Action Acknowledgements Priscille Geiser, Catherine Dixon, Philippe Chervin.
This report has been realised thanks to the financial support of: AFD, the European Union and Handicap International. The authors are also thankful to the numerous colleagues It has been produced within the framework of the DECISIPH and partners from regional, national and local organizations regional project, financed by AFD and the European Union and (including the members of regional and national Rights in implemented by Handicap International across six countries in Action advisory committees), who provided information West Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and and shared their experiences regarding the themes of local Togo. governance and the social and political participation of people with disabilities in their countries. This report serves as Author: Francesca Piatta (Handicap International). testimony to their commitment and efforts to achieve positive Contributing author: Michael Guy (Handicap International). changes in these sectors. Coordination: Cathy Dimbarre Kpehounton (Handicap The authors are very grateful for their valuable comments and International). recommendations during the report’s elaboration. Contributors from DECISIPH project teams: Ousseini Badini (Burkina Faso), Issa Toure (Mali), Roukayatou Konate (Niger), Translation and proof reading: Roland Baghnyan. Faly Keita (Senegal), Issa Turay (Sierra Leone), Hyacinthe Editor of the English translation: Michael Guy (Handicap Bankati (Togo). International). Field Researchers: Nab Leonard Nabire (Burkina Faso), Farouk Proof-reading: Perle Jonot (Handicap International). Adamou Gaoh (Niger), Nanaber Hassane Toure (Mali), Ousmane Photographs: From DECISIPH project teams and Olivier Thiendella Fall (Senegal), Andrew Kondovoh (Sierra Leone), Asselin for Handicap International. Ebenezer Agordome (Togo). Design, layout and publication: AK-Project. Contributors and technical advisors, Handicap International:
Rights in Action - 3 n West Africa, as with many other regions of the world, people with disabilities are largely excluded from the process of development, with extremely limited opportunities to engage I in public consultations and decision-making. This exclusion only serves to reinforce the marginalisation, critical poverty and isolation experienced by people with disabilities in the region.
However, there is a growing political shift towards and proposes a series of practical recommendations for decentralization across West Africa, with decision- key stakeholders on how to replicate or ‘scale up’ this good making and resource allocation increasingly deployed to practice. In most cases, the good practices have been government authorities at the local level. This shift now developed with very limited financial resources, but with offers greater opportunities for people with disabilities the strong involvement of disabled people’s organizations and their representative organizations to influence local (DPOs) and the willingness of local authorities. development and decisions about the provision of public “Rights in Action” is a call for action. The goal of a more goods and services. equal and inclusive society cannot be achieved without considering the needs and interests of marginalised groups. People with disabilities must be given the opportunity to engage in decision-making about the provision of public goods and forewords services. This right is enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This report should be used as a tool to support This “Rights in Action” report has been developed as part of key stakeholders to understand their role and their DECISIPH, a regional project which addresses the issues responsibilities towards making this right a reality. of rights, equality, citizenship, solidarity, and inclusion of people with disabilities across six countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. All feedback and comments on this report are very welcome: DECISIPH is implemented with the financial support of the [email protected] French Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AFD and the European Union. The “Rights in Action” initiative aims to document and disseminate examples of people with disabilities actively Cathy DIMBARRE KPEHOUNTON participating in local governance and influencing decision- Regional DECISIPH Coordinator making in West Africa. The report analyses these examples
4 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements...... 3 Forewords...... 4 About this report...... 8 Objective of the report...... 8 Readership...... 8 Structure of the report...... 9 Acronyms and abbreviations...... 11 Part I. Presentation of the « Rights in Action » initiative...... 12 Objective...... 13 The framework for implementation...... 14 About the DECISIPH project...... 14 « Rights in Action » methodology...... 15 The international « Making It Work » initiative...... 15 The next steps after the report...... 16 Part II. Conceptual framework...... 18
Disability as a development issue...... 19 Disability and the millennium development goals...... 20 Understanding disability as a human rights issue...... 21 The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities...... 22 The principles of inclusive development...... 26 Inclusive local development...... 27 The decentralization process...... 28 Citizen participation and inclusive local governance...... 30 What is the link between inclusive local governance and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?.....33
6 - Rights in Action Part III. Disability and local governance in West Africa...... 34
Decentralization and local governance: a process in motion...... 34 The situation of people with disabilities...... 36 Part IV. Good practices of inclusive local governance...... 40
Identifying and documenting good practices...... 40 Good practices: Benin...... 43 Good practices: Burkina Faso...... 45 Good practices: Mali...... 54 Good practices: Niger...... 65 Good practices: Senegal...... 71 Good practices: Sierra Leone...... 81 Good practices: Togo...... 89 Part V. Recommendations for developing or improving local inclusive governance...... 98
Local decision-makers...... 98 Disabled people’s organizations...... 105 Development partners (NGOs, development agencies, donors etc)...... 109 Concluding remarks...... 112
Resources...... 114
Annexes...... 118
Political, institutional and legislative overview of the seven west african countries...... 118
Rights in Action - 7 ABOUT THIS REPORT
Objective of the report This report has been developed to share positive experiences of participation by people with disabilities in local governance processes in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo). These experiences are used to propose practical recommendations for action by a range of different stakeholders (listed below).
Intended Readership
This report can be used by a broad range of stakeholders with diverse interests and responsibilities regarding the implementation of development activities at local level. However, it is aimed primarily at the following stakeholders across Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo:
Local authorities These are: elected officials; local government representatives; heads of administrative authorities, and decentralized state or private services. The report makes recommendations on how these stakeholders can promote an inclusive approach to development to ensure that people with disabilities, through their representative organizations, can participate fully in local governance mechanisms.
Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) DPOs play a fundamental role in the promotion of the rights of people with disabilities and in the representation of their rights and interests at local level. The report makes recommendations on how DPOs can strengthen their advocacy skills and engage in consultations and decision-making at the local level, using a solutions-oriented approach and constructive dialogue with policy-makers.
Development Partners This includes a wide variety of development stakeholders: international cooperation agencies (the EU and its member states, decentralized cooperation institutions), donors and development agencies, international and local NGOs. The report makes recommendations on how all local development projects and programmes undertaken by these stakeholders can integrate disability issues and implement measures to encourage the active participation of people with disabilities in mechanisms for consultation and decision-making.
8 - Les Droits en ActionS Structure of the report
This section presents the objectives, readership and structure of the report, as well as About this report the abbreviations used.
This section presents the objectives of the “Rights in Action» research and advocacy initiative and the framework for its implementation: the DECISIPH project. There is a presentation of the approaches and methodology used, in line with the international PART I. INTRODUCING THE «RIGHTS initiative «Making it Work», and the measures to be implemented after the publication IN ACTION» INITIATIVE of this report.
This section explains the need to consider disability as a development and a human PART II. CONCEPTUAL rights issue, as expressed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The concepts of inclusive development and inclusive local governance FRAMEWORK are presented in detail with references to the concepts of decentralization and citizen participation.
This section presents the themes of disability and local governance in West Africa. PART III. DISABILITY AND LOCAL After an overview of the situation in the sub-region, there is a focus on the specific GOVERNANCE IN WEST AFRICA context of the seven West African countries of the study: Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
PART IV. INCLUSIVE LOCAL This section illustrates good practice case studies for the inclusion of people with GOVERNANCE GOOD PRACTICES disabilities in local governance mechanisms from the seven countries in West Africa.
PART V. RECOMMENDATIONS This section presents recommendations for improving the participation of people FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND with disabilities in governance process at the local level. From the analysis of good practices documented in Part IV of this report, practical guidelines for action are STRENGTHENING OF INCLUSIVE proposed to the three categories of stakeholders: local policy makers, development LOCAL GOVERNANCE partners and Disabled People’s Organizations.
This section provides a bibliographic resource on the key themes addressed by the BIBLIOGRAPHY report.
This section provides additional detail and research about the political, institutional ANNEXES and legislative context for each of the seven countries.
Rights in Action - 9 10 - Rights in Action Acronyms and abbreviations
ADD Action on Disability and Development CBM Christian Blind Mission CBO Community-based organization CBR Community-based rehabilitation CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities DECISIPH Rights-equality-citizenship-solidarity of people with disabilities DFID Department for International Development DPO Disabled People’s Organization EC European Commission EU European Union HI Handicap International ILO International Labour Organization KAR-Disability Disability Knowledge and Research MDG Millennium Development Goal MIW Making it Work NGO/INGO Non-governmental organization/international NGO OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development PDM Partnership for Municipality Development PDSEC Economic, Social, Cultural Development Programme PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper SDAPH Secretary of African Decade of People with Disabilities SLUDI Sierra Leone Union of Disabled Issues UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Program UN-Habitat United Nations Human Settlements Programme UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund WILDAF Women in Law and Development in Africa WB World Bank WHO World Health Organization
Rights in Action - 11 ParT I. PRESENTATION OF THE « RIGHTS IN ACTION » INITIATIVE
12 - Rights in Action This issue is of particular importance in West Africa, Objective where there is a significant movement underway towards decentralized local governance. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) entered into force in 2008. This The primary objective of the “Rights in Action” initiative major international legislation represents a significant is to promote practical, evidence-based recommendations step towards addressing the poverty and social exclusion on how to achieve inclusive local governance in West experienced by people with disabilities worldwide. Africa, so that people with disabilities have an active role in shaping the local policies and services that impact A key part of the CRPD concerns the rights of people directly on their lives. with disabilities and their representative organizations to be involved in governance and decision-making Underpinning this objective is the goal to promote processes at the local level. This right is enshrined in effective implementation of the CRPD at all levels Article 29 of the CRPD. across West Africa.
Rights in Action - 13 The framework for « Rights in Action » implementation methodology The “Rights in Action” initiative is implemented as part of a broader regional project: DECISIPH – which The international « Making it addresses the issues of rights, equality, citizenship, solidarity and inclusion of people with disabilities across Work » initiative six countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The methodological approach for “Rights in Action” was developed in About the DECISIPH project line with Making it Work, a global, multi-stakeholder The overall objective of DECISIPH is to increase the initiative which aims towards the effective individual and collective capacities of Disabled People’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Organisations (DPOs) in terms of how representative Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): they are, the degree of citizen participation, their influence www.makingitwork-crpd.org. on national and local public policies and their impact on the strategies of development stakeholders regarding Context the promotion and respect of the rights of people with disabilities. The CRPD entered into force in 2008. To date (July 2010), 146 countries have signed the CRPD and 88 have ratified it. DECISIPH covers six countries in the sub-region: Burkina Signatory states have a legal obligation to take affirmative action Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. for the inclusion of the rights of people with disabilities in all The programme, which started in 2008 for a period of five laws, policies and services. However, for most countries, there years, is being implemented by Handicap International, in are significant gaps between the standards set by the CRPD - partnership with: the standards of national policies - and the reality on the ground JJthe Secretariat of the African Decade of People with for people with disabilities. Disabilities (SADPD); JJ national federations of DPOs; The development and dissemination of... good practices, JJnational and local DPOs; lessons learned, and sources of expertise, will assist all JJpublic institutions responsible for disability issues. actors in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the local, national and The activities of the DECISIPH programme are structured international levels” around four main themes: 1) The availability and accessibility of information on people “Mainstreaming disability in the development agenda”. with disabilities, their rights and representative organizations; United Nations Economic & Social Council, 2007. 2) Increased knowledge and skills of DPOs in terms of training, advocacy and awareness-raising at national and Approach local levels; It is clear there are violations of disabled people’s human 3) Support for planning and implementing advocacy and rights in all countries of the world. However, there are awareness-raising activities at national and local levels; also many innovative projects and good practices that 4) Exchange of information and consultation frameworks. have significantly advanced the social, economic and political inclusion of people with disabilities. DECISIPH is co-financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AFD. Other donors include: UNDESA, The key issue is how to identify and utilize examples of IRISH AID in Sierra Leone, OSIWA and Light For The good practice, with a view to replication and ‘scaling World in Burkina Faso, the European Union. up’. Most countries do not have mechanisms in place for analysis, consultation and diffusion of information The “Rights in Action” initiative was developed to generate on key disability issues. As such, it is extremely difficult evidence-based research to underpin the core actions of for policy-makers and civil society (including DPOs) to DECISIPH. shape policies and services that can have a meaningful
14 - Rights in Action impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Regardless of the scale or context, all Making it Work Launched in 2008, Making it Work is a global initiative projects share four broad components: which aims to address these important issues. 1. A multi-stakeholder approach: civil society organizations at different levels (including DPOs, service providers, Making it Work partners INGOs) working together to implement projects. Making it Work is engaging partners from disability, human 2. Document examples of good practice: projects will rights and development organizations across the world to: focus on a specific disability issue (for example, access to identify and exchange good practices on key disability rehabilitation services) and conduct research of practices issues, generate evidence to improve the knowledge of that have impacted positively on the lives of people with practitioners and decision-makers, and inspire actions that disabilities. Depending on the topic and scale of the project, create sustainable social and political change. the focus could be on different kinds of practices ~ for example the practices of local community organizations, Making it Work takes a unique and innovative approach service providers, policy-makers or organizations from the to effect social and political change on disability issues. private sector. Instead of focusing on human rights violations and what is not working, Making it Work shifts stakeholders’ 3. Produce a report: use the examples of good practice to attention to what does work and how it can be replicated make practical, constructive recommendations: depending or ‘scaled up’. on the topic and scale of the project, these recommendations may target different kinds of stakeholders, for example civil This approach is particularly effective in countries where society organizations (including NGOs, DPOs), service there are limited resources. Making it Work promotes providers and practitioners, policy makers, or organizations a bottom-up approach to inclusive development, in the private sector. where civil society actors and agencies working at field level (including DPOs) have the opportunity to 4. Use and disseminate the report: carry out advocacy and influence local and national development frameworks training activities based on the report recommendations. and communicate constructive recommendations to decision-makers. Using Making it Work’s methodology through the DECISIPH project The "Rights in Action" initiative has followed the four broad phases of Making it Work, as outlined above. Making it Work partners The Rights in Action initiative promotes a participatory and multi-stakeholder approach involving different civil society organizations at all stages of the initiative: from the collection of good practices to the selection and analysis of case studies and formulation of recommendations. The process was managed in collaboration with multi- stakeholder advisory committees established at national and regional levels (West Africa). Handicap International was the lead organization for the initiative, but with significant support and advice from other development stakeholders. National Technical Advisory Committees were established in the seven West African countries: Benin1, Burkina Faso Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. A Regional Technical Advisory Committee was established for the West Africa sub-region.
1 Benin is not a country included in the DECISPH project. However, it was selected to be included in the Rights in Action study because of its proximity to Togo and the interest in conducting disability research in this country.
Rights in Action - 15 Meeting of the regional Rights in Action Advisory Committee.
Composition and role of the Advisory Regional and National Advisory Committee members Committees provided advice and expertise on the subject of the report: local inclusive governance. They supported the identification of good practices across the seven National Committees countries and facilitated contacts with the stakeholders involved in their implementation. These committees were already established for The collection of good practices was carried out the coordination and monitoring of the DECISIPH by field researchers in each of the seven countries. programme (their composition varies from one Documentation was made in the form of case studies, country to another). JJ Handicap International outlining the implementation process, success factors, challenges and impact on the lives of people with JJ National federations of DPOs disabilities. JJ Ministries and public institutions in charge of disability issues The national committees undertook an initial selection JJ Local authorities of the case studies, with the regional committee JJ Human rights and development organizations making a final validation and selection for this report. Subsequently, the regional committee (during a JJ The media three-day conference) used the selected case studies to formulate a series of recommendations, targeting Regional Committee different types of stakeholders, on how to improve (specifically for inclusive local governance in West Africa. Rights in Action) The next steps after JJ Handicap International JJ Secretariat of the African Decade of People with the reporT Disabilities(SADPH), Regional West Africa Office JJ Action on Disability and Development (ADD) Development and implementation of JJ CBM an advocacy plan JJ MDP (Municipal Development Partnership), JJ M. David Houssou – Resource person for The publication and dissemination of this report represents governance and local development the beginning of the advocacy phase of the “Rights in JJ ENDA Tiers Monde Action” initiative. This phase aims to promote the report recommendations, to open the topic for discussion and JJ Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) – West Africa debate across the region and, ultimately, to bring about
16 - Rights in Action social and political change on disability issues in West Africa. The report recommendations outlined on page 98 are designed to support the advocacy actions of different stakeholders at local, national, regional and international levels. “Rights in Action” will utilize the DECISPH project framework to implement an advocacy plan in consultation with the regional and national advisory committees. This will include the following advocacy actions: JJpublic presentation of the report recommendations and key concepts to stakeholders and decision makers; JJlaunch of the report through public media (newspapers, TV, radio, web) to reach a wide audience; JJorganizing seminars, workshops and conferences for Meeting of the regional Rights in Action Advisory Committee. different groups, including local authorities, service providers, development actors and other decision makers to train and educate on the subject; JJthe capacity building of existing advocacy and lobbying groups; JJtraining DPOs in West Africa to undertake specific advocacy on local inclusive governance; JJcollaboration with other development and human rights organizations to disseminate the key messages of the “Rights in Action” initiative through their networks. Monitoring change and lessons learned It is important to reflect on lessons learned and assess the overall impact of the “Rights in Action” initiative. However, monitoring change in policies and practices is a long-term process. It is important to involve stakeholders and partners in the monitoring and evaluation of the process. To this end, the DPO partners of DECISIPH project will be trained to: JJcontinue to be engaged on the issue of local inclusive governance; JJmonitor changes in policies and practices of different stakeholders.
Rights in Action - 17 Part II. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
18 - Rights in Action To understand why it is important for people with Literacy rates among adults with disabilities do not exceed disabilities to play an active role in local governance and 3% for men and 1% for women (UNDP). decision-making, it is first necessary to explain some The unemployment rate for people with disabilities theoretical concepts about disability - and why disability reaches 85% in some countries (ILO). is a key human rights and development issue. Disability can be understood as both a cause and a consequence of poverty. (DFID, 2000). People living Disability as a in poverty are exposed to increased risk of accidents development issue and serious health problems due to poor living and working conditions and limited access to health care and Disability is an aspect of human diversity, like gender, basic services. When people living in poverty acquire ethnicity and culture. impairment, this significantly increases the barriers to their participation in the social and economic life of According to estimates commonly used by international their communities, particularly if support services and bodies, people with disabilities comprise 10% of the adaptation measures are not available. This, in turn, world’s population, with 85% living in developing further exacerbates the situation of poverty for individuals countries (WHO). and their families. The situation of people with disabilities is marked by It is not the impairment itself which creates the vicious serious socio-economic inequality when compared with cycle between disability and poverty but discrimination, the rest of the population: social exclusion and the denial of rights, coupled with People with disabilities comprise one in five of the global limited access to basic services. population living below the poverty line. (World Bank). 90% of disabled children do not attend school (UNESCO) and 30% of street children are disabled (UNICEF).
Rights in Action - 19 DISABILITY
Denial of opportunities for economic, social & human development
VULNERABILITY Deficit in economic, social Social & cultural and cultural rights POVERTY TO POVERTY AND exclusion & stigma ILL-HEALTH
Reduced participation in decision-making & denial of civil and political rights
Source: Department for International Development (DfID), « Disability, Poverty and Development », Issues Paper, Feb.2000 Disability and the Millennium For example:2 Development Goals MDG 1 Poverty reduction: Although poverty is not just about economics, people with disabilities often struggle to find opportunities to earn income due to discrimination The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were in education and employment. drawn from targets set by the Millennium Declaration, adopted by 189 nations in September 2000. The eight MDG 2 Education: of the 75 million children of primary goals, to be achieved by 2015, are aimed at combating all school age out of school, over a third have a disability aspects of global poverty and social exclusion and include (UNESCO, 2009) and yet the inclusion of children with specific indicators for measuring progress. disabilities in mainstream education has been shown to be successful. However, a key failure of the MDGs has been the exclusion of disability issues and disabled people in the process. Ten MDG 3 Gender equality: women who are disabled face percent of the global population is disabled (WHO) and a double discrimination because of their impairment and yet not one of the MDG indicators addresses the rights their gender. Women with disabilities are more likely to be and needs of people with disabilities. The impact of this subject to violence and abuse (Braathen, Hoem & Kvam, exclusion is considerable. 2008). The MDGs will not be achieved unless the rights of people MDG 4 Child mortality: in some developing countries, with disabilities are comprehensively mainstreamed in mortality rates for disabled children under five can be all development action – with people with disabilities as high as 80 per cent, even in countries where overall involved in decision-making at all levels. under- five mortality is below 20 per cent (DFID, 2000) and disabled children are less likely to receive standard As the former President of the World Bank, James immunizations (Groce, Ayorla & Kaplan, 2007). Wolfensohn stated in 2002: « Unless people with disabilities are brought into the development mainstream, MDG 5 Reproductive health: women with disabilities it will be impossible to cut poverty in half by 2015 ». face particular challenges in accessing reproductive health Opportunities for enhancing the living standards of people with disabilities are relevant to all eight of the 2 Sight Savers 2009, Sight Savers Policy Briefing, « The Millennium Development MDGs, making it an issue central to reducing poverty. Goals and People with Disabilities », Diane Mulligan and Kate Gooding
20 - Rights in Action education because they are not considered sexually Strategy and Action Plan on Disability, which will be active people (Maxwell, Belses & David, 2007), nor do used as the basis for concerted and coordinated work on they receive timely antenatal care should they choose to disability across all UN agencies. have children (Sobsey, 1994). The UN Convention on the Rights of People with MDG 6 HIV: all risk factors associated with HIV are Disabilities (CRPD) is the first human rights instrument increased for people with disabilities (e.g. sexual activity, specific to people with disabilities and promotes their full rape, substance abuse), yet they are less likely to be participation in economic, social, cultural and political life. included in outreach or treatment activities (Groce, The CRPD provides the framework for international 2004). agencies, donors and partner governments to build on MDG 7 Ensure environmental sustainability: of all their existing commitments in the area of disability and poor people, people with disabilities have the least access development. to safe water and sanitation facilities and this contributes to keeping them poor and unable to improve their Understanding livelihoods (Jones & Reed 2005). MDG 8 Develop a global partnership for development: disability as a human Article 32 of the UN Convention on the Rights of People rights issue with Disabilities explicitly states that international cooperation (partnerships) and development programmes From the medical to the social model are ‘inclusive of, and accessible to, people with disabilities’ of disability (Art 32 (1)). The traditional way of understanding disability is The lack of knowledge and understanding about called the “Medical Model of Disability”. This view these key disability issues among decision-makers, is still pervasive in most societies. It understands donors, international agencies, governments and other disability only as a medical problem – or as ‘something development actors has resulted in the low priority wrong’ with an individual. In this view, the way to given to disability within mainstream international address disability is simply to try to cure or fix the development. medical problem. As such, people with disabilities However, there have been some steps forward to ensure must recognize that the problem lies with them – with people with disabilities benefit from plans to meet the their bodies – and accept that this problem will limit MDGs.3 their participation in everyday life. JJThe Department for International Development (DFID) The “Social Model of Disability”, pioneered by the UK and the European Union Commission have produced disability movement in the UK in the 1970s, offers a guidance notes on disability, which are practical guides radically different view. To understand this view, it is for their national offices and delegations for the inclusion important to first define some key terms: of disability in development activities. Both documents explicitly recognize that the Millennium Development Impairment: Goals (MDGs) cannot be achieved without the inclusion 4 an injury, illness, or congenital condition that causes of disability. or is likely to cause a loss or difference of physiological JJThe African Union and the European Union have or psychological function. developed action points on disability in the health and Disability: education sectors of the MDGs, as part of a joint document the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in presenting their strategy and 2008-2009 action plan for society on an equal level with others due to social and Africa.5 environmental barriers. JJThe UN have committed to developing a Common The social model locates discrimination in society as creating the barriers to inclusion and equal rights, rather 3 http://www.includeeverybody.org than seeing an individual as the problem and in need 4 DFID, 2000. « Disability, Poverty and Development ». of medical treatment or charity. This is an empowering Available at: http://62.189.42.51/DFIDstage/Pubs/files/disability.pdf European Union. « Guidelines on disability and development for EU delegations and concept, which allows people with disabilities to become services », July 2004. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/development/body/publications/docs/Disability_fr.pdf#zoom=100 key agents for development and to challenge the root causes of exclusion. 5 « First action plan (2008-2010) for the implementation of the Africa-EU strategic partnership ». http://www.africa-eu-partnership.org
Rights in Action - 21 «Disabled people [are] disadvantaged not because of their Human rights apply to all people in all their diversity, impairments, but as a result of the limitations imposed without discrimination. The dignity of all human beings on them by social, cultural, economic, and environmental must be respected, with equal respect for women and men. Whenever a person suffers an injury to his/her dignity, barriers. Disability according to [the social model] is not experiences discrimination, or is treated or considered as about health or pathology but about discrimination and less than a whole person, this means his/her human rights social exclusion ». have been violated. A person discriminated against or marginalized is deprived of the opportunities enjoyed by (Albert.2004. Disability Knowledge and Research (KaR) others. Today, this is still very much an issue in the daily programme). lives of people with disabilities. There are many ways to demonstrate how it is society, rather than The exclusion of people with disabilities from the an individual’s impairment, that disables people. For example, a mainstream process of development represents a wheelchair user is disabled because they can’t use public transport. flagrant violation of their fundamental human rights. The obvious solution is not to focus on curing the individual – Development actors who assert that they adopt a human but to make public transport accessible for everyone! This example rights based approach in their actions must take steps to about removing social barriers can be applied to all aspects of life. fully acknowledge and address the rights of people with More specifically, it can be applied to the question of priorities for disabilities. international development: « Overlooking or ignoring the plight of disabled « From a social-model perspective disability is a socio- people is not an option that an acceptable theory of political issue. This in turn leads to fundamentally justice can have. » different policy priorities and choices, mainly around the removal of disabling barriers, as well as a strong Amartya Sen, 2004 emphasis on human and civil rights » (ibid). The UN Convention on the Rights « Disability is a human rights issue! I repeat: disability is of Persons with a human rights issue.» Bengt Lindqvist, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability Disabilities The United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), known as the Indeed, disability is increasingly recognised as a human Convention, is an essential human rights instrument. rights issue. The gradual shift in understanding and The link between human rights and development has been perception, towards a human rights based approach, builds present from the beginning of the process of developing this upon the emergence of the social model of disability. Convention. The UN resolution that launched the process stated the desire to develop «a comprehensive and integral convention (...) based on a holistic approach to the fields of Why disability is a social development, human rights and non-discrimination.» human rights issue This Convention is the first real human rights instrument specific to people with disabilities. It promotes their full Human rights are universal and indivisible principles that recognise participation in economic, social, cultural and political life. and protect the intrinsic humanity of each individual. According to this internationally accepted moral code, each human being, all The Convention provides the most effective mechanisms and around the world, should be able to demand justice and equality: appropriate approaches to enhance inclusive development, at the level of both national development strategies as well « As disability describes the barriers faced by people as in international cooperation. The implementation of the with impairments to achieving equality and justice, Convention will allow donors and partner governments to and because disabled people are human beings too, it take into account the fundamentals of inclusive development, is axiomatic that disability is a human rights issue » such as non-discrimination, equality, participation and (ibid). accountability. In particular, Articles 4.1 and 32 focus on
22 - Rights in Action international cooperation in defining and JJmainstreaming, i.e. the inclusion of implementing development strategies, and disability in all development activities and at require governments to ensure that plans, all stages; strategies and development processes include JJsupport at the community level, which people with disabilities. means the availability of adequate services and The Convention was adopted on December 13, resources to enable people with disabilities to 2006 by the United Nations General Assembly. live autonomously in their local community; It has been open for signature and ratification JJ«progressive implementation», meaning since March 30, 2007. A year later, in early April that states can implement the Convention at 2008, 20 States ratified the Convention, opening a gradual rate in terms of economic, social the way for its entry into force in May 2008. and cultural rights. The process of drafting the Convention The Convention covers all areas of life received extensive participation from civil (health, education, freedom of expression society and DPOs. This process, which was and association, accessibility, employment, relatively long and complex, led to an efficient rehabilitation, respect for privacy and family text on disability seen from the perspective of life, etc.). It sets out rights, but also binding human rights and social development. principles for its application. The Convention is based on a vision of The ratification of the Convention obliges an inclusive society in which people with states to change their laws or pass new ones disabilities can enjoy the same rights, freedoms so as to be in compliance with the text. and opportunities as others, according to The ratification of the Convention also the principle of equal opportunities. It is requires the creation of implementation guided by certain general principles such as and monitoring mechanisms. dignity, non-discrimination and respect for differences, integration, equal opportunities and equal access for men and women. It also addresses other crosscutting issues such as: JJthe participation of people with disabilities and their representative organizations;
Rights in Action - 23 24 - Rights in Action The Convention - FAQs
Why a special Convention the needs and situation of people What if States Parties for people with disabilities? with disabilities. do not comply with the In theory, the rights stated in the Convention? Universal Declaration of Human How will the Convention improve the lives of Rights and in international covenants There is no institution responsible people with disabilities? on civil, political, economic, social for enforcing, or with the power and cultural rights should guarantee The Convention represents an to enforce, ratified texts (with the the equal rights of men, women, important step in changing the exception of the International children, and people with disabilities. perception of disability, in making Criminal Court, for example, in the But experience shows that some society understand that people case of crimes against humanity). groups, like women, children and with disabilities are full citizens The application of a convention refugees have greater difficulty in who are entitled to the same depends largely on the goodwill of enjoying their rights. International rights as everyone else. When a States Parties. However, we must conventions, such as the Convention country ratifies the Convention, not underestimate the importance on the Rights of the Child, protect it has to adopt legislation for its of diplomatic relations and the and defend their rights. implementation. Other treaties, such importance for states to have a good as the Convention on the Rights of image on the international stage. People with disabilities represent 10% the Child, have proved very effective of the world’s population, or 650 In the case of the International in the fight against the violation of million people. They represent the Convention on the Rights of Persons rights. largest minority group in the world with Disabilities, a monitoring (UN). In developing countries, 80% committee has been established to Will the Convention of people with disabilities live on ensure the implementation of the create new obligations less than one euro a day, and 98% Convention. Thus, an «optional for states? of disabled children do not attend protocol» is proposed to states school. People with disabilities do not Yes. States will be obliged to take for signing and ratification at the enjoy the same opportunities as the measures to promote disability rights same time as the Convention. This rest of the population. It was therefore and to fight against discrimination. protocol recognizes in Article 1 “the necessary to develop a Convention These measures, which include anti- competence of the Committee on the that protects them. discrimination legislation, will eliminate Rights of Persons with Disabilities discriminatory laws and practices (“the Committee”) to receive and Does the Convention and take people with disabilities into consider communications from or create new rights for account in the development of new on behalf of individuals or groups of people with disabilities? policies. They will also make services, individuals subject to its jurisdiction who claim to be victims of a violation No. The Convention does not create property and facilities accessible to by that State Party of the provisions new rights or special rights. It states people with disabilities. of the Convention”. existing rights, but takes into account
Rights in Action - 25 Inclusive development ensures that all phases of The principles of the development cycle (planning, implementation, inclusive development monitoring and evaluation) respect human diversity, and that people with disabilities participate fully in the To address poverty and the exclusion of people with development process and in the definition of strategies. disabilities, as well of other discriminated and excluded Inclusive development ensures that people with disabilities groups, inclusive development strategies must be adopted. are recognized as rights bearers, like other members of But what do we mean by inclusive development? society, and are part of the development process. Inclusive development is understood as a model for It is important to stress that the integration of disability development based on human rights, which promotes the into the development process does not generally mean equality and participation of every individual, especially the creation of separate programmes or activities; neither groups facing discrimination and exclusion. does it require highly specialized skills. What is needed This model ensures that people with disabilities can is a better acceptance of diversity and a more flexible enjoy the same rights as any other members of society approach to finding solutions to problems. The most and become stakeholders and resource persons for the important thing is to involve people with disabilities in development and implementation of policies. the planning of projects and activities, and consult them about the specific aspects to be integrated, so that they can Inclusive development is a process leading to the creation also benefit from these activities. of an inclusive community. It recognizes that diversity is part of life and that differences are normal in society. Inclusive development requires different types of actions Inclusion is therefore the process by which society must oriented towards people with disabilities and the evolve to make room for differences and fight against organizations representing them. Thus, in line with the discrimination among its members. The goal is equal strategy for the mainstreaming of disability into policies opportunities for all. and development programmes, parallel assistance is required for specific initiatives to empower and strengthen Inclusive development means that policies, programmes disability organizations. Such an approach is generally and projects are designed and evaluated while taking described as the ‘twin-track approach to development’6. into consideration their impact on the lives of everyone, including people with disabilities.
Twin-track approach to inclusive development
Inclusion of disability in all development activities through awareness-raising Support for certain initiatives to and training to ght against inequality empower people with disabilities and between disabled their organizations and non-disabled people
EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO ENABLE THEIR FULL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY
6 DFID « Disability, Poverty and Development » (UK: DFID: 2000).
26 - Rights in Action Inclusive local development Inclusive local development adopts a local and cross- cutting approach to achieve increased participation of people with disabilities in a specific territory. It is based on The concept of inclusive local development links the participatory work with local communities, including local concept of inclusive development (aiming towards authorities, DPOs and local development stakeholders. inclusion of disability issues in the development process) with the key principles of local development, namely: This process aims to take into account the needs and rights of all people with disabilities, encouraging the JJmulti-actor and cross-cutting approach; mainstreaming of disability issues in all future and existing JJ local scale; policies, projects, services and initiatives at local level. JJdecentralisation; JJgood governance.
main objectives of an inclusive local development process are the following:
JJ develop the capacities and skills of people with disabilities and their representative organizations in order to increase their participation in development processes and local governance; JJ promote the creation of forums for ongoing dialogue and consultation between local authorities and DPOs so that people with disabilities are informed about, and involved in the development of policies; JJ promote the mainstreaming of disability in local planning and projects, so that the results benefit equally people with disabilities and other citizens; JJ raise awareness of local development stakeholders about disability issues, challenging negative perceptions and encouraging practices for the full recognition and genuine respect for the rights of people with disabilities.
How to link inclusive development and local development? JJCAPACITIES OF ACTORS - Building the capacity of local actors to play their role in Inclusive Development; JJCONCERTED DECISION-MAKING - Helping stakeholders to work together to elaborate a coordinated response to the multiple needs of people with disabilities; JJINCLUSIVE ACTIONS - Take actions to promote inclusion/ social participation of people with disabilities; JJRESOURCES COORDINATION - Create a cross-cutting network for access to existing resources and services.
Rights in Action - 27 THE ROLE OF VARIOUS DISABLED PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATIONS (DPOs) STAKEHOLDERS IN Role: THE INCLUSIVE LOCAL JJ represent people with disabilities; DEVELOPMENT PROCESS JJ advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities; JJ promote the rights of people with disabilities; JJ strengthen the network between DPOs, identify and DPO’s encourage the registration of people with disabilities.
Responsibilities in terms of inclusive development: JJ engage stakeholders through meetings; JJ awareness-raising; COMMUNITY JJ influence the decisions of stakeholders and policy (territory) makers; JJ develop and implement approved projects; JJ Local Authorities Local development identify donor agencies that have mainstreamed disability; skateholders JJ encourage other agencies to mainstream disability; JJ link with other civil society organizations.
The decentralization in developing countries must be based on several process prerequisites, including: JJgranting financial autonomy to local governments, without which decentralized authorities can not manage Inclusive local development is based on the key concept their own affairs; of decentralization of competences. JJthe election of local officials by the local population; decentralization is therefore often a sign of democracy. Decentralization concerns the transfer of expertise and resources from the state to local authorities. As Given the global movement towards decentralization, local part of this process, specific laws and regulations authorities in many developing countries are becoming give local authorities autonomy in decision-making key stakeholders. They are therefore likely to have a direct and financial management. and strong impact on the daily activities of people with disabilities and can support the practical implementation The transfer of competencies and resources to local of disability rights. authorities supports a process of concerted local inclusive A local level intervention allows a proximity to the development in the communities where people with community; this in turn increases understanding of disabilities live. the requests and needs of people with disabilities. The The scope of inclusive local development is at the local stakeholders of a given area are in the best position to community level. This means a coherent geographical address the needs of the large proportion of people with space or catchment area in which stakeholders can identify disabilities, and determine the most appropriate response their daily lives and where there is often a corresponding to those needs. administrative unit. This scale establishes a local authority From interventions at the grassroots level, concrete actions as the main interlocutor with specific competences can be envisaged to make local governments places for: defined in the framework of decentralization laws. JJthe implementation of local democracy and citizenship; Decentralization is often based on the principle of JJconsidering the rights of people with disabilities; subsidiarity, which stipulates that decisions are taken JJfunding projects and services for people with disabilities. at the most relevant territorial level, according to the objectives and issues involved, and as close as possible to the field. The decentralization of powers to local authorities
28 - Rights in Action LOCAL AUTHORITIES (administrative and/ LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS or traditional) (public and private services providers, Role: professionals, other civil society JJ decision-making; actors) JJ arbitration; Role: JJ provide services based on their area of expertise. JJ conflict management.
Responsibilities in terms of inclusive development: Responsibilities in terms of inclusive development: JJ provision of services for the benefit of all and dapt JJ develop policies/ projects; services to people with disabilities. JJ invite DPOs to participate in consultation forums; JJ implement, or delegate the implementation and monitoring of community projects, ensuring that people with disabilities are represented and that gender issues are taken into account; JJ link up with local development actors; JJ organise and coordinate information meetings; JJ report to higher authorities.
Decentralization and deconcentration
Unlike the process of decentralization, the state does not abandon its powers in the case of deconcentration, but it provides resources at the grassroots. Deconcentration allows the state to take action closer to the population. Good decentralization often goes hand in hand with the deconcentration of government services. Deconcentration is about organizing relations between central and local authorities of a same entity: the state. Local elected representatives, endowed with new skills, must be able to act at the local level without systematically referring to the central level. Deconcentration increases the powers or functions of the local representatives of the State (Governor, Prefect, Sub-Prefect, Administrative Directors, etc.) in order to ease the pressure on the central authority. The advantage of deconcentration is twofold: - Firstly, it eases the pressure on the central government, whereas concentration results in the slow processing of cases. - Secondly, it allows the local representatives of the central government to resolve issues taking into account local considerations / circumstances.
Rights in Action - 29 IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR DECENTRALIZATION
In a study of decentralization experiences in five East and SouthernAfrican countries by UN-Habitat in 2002, four aspects appear as critical to its success1: - The need to give the local government funds and management powers as regards service delivery. Otherwise, it is difficult for the local government to finance its commitments. - Local communities must have access to adequate information on the costs and conditions of services in order to make good decisions. This information should be accessible to people with disabilities to promote their autonomy and their right to choose services in the same way as any other citizen in the local community. - Communities need mechanisms to participate in decisions that affect them; people with disabilities and their representatives should have equal access to information, meetings and forums, and be consulted on all matters affecting them. - There is a need for accountability based on open information and transparency, allowing communities to effectively monitor the performance of the local government and respond according to this performance.
1 UN-Habitat. « Local democracy and decentralization in East and Southern Africa. Experiences from Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Ethiopia » (UN Habitat: Nairobi: 2002).
There are four levels of participation. Needless to say, the line between these levels is not clearly demarcated, and the levels often overlap and go through different stages of development, concurrently with the empowerment of local government and citizens8: 1. sharing of information - it is a limited form of participation in which citizens are informed of the decisions of the local government; 2. consultation - citizens are consulted before decisions are made or programmes are implemented, although there is no guarantee that their views will be taken into account; Citizen participation 3. participation - this level gives citizens the right to negotiate and inclusive local planning and strategies, and to monitor implementation and follow-up; governance 4. co-decision (initiation and control by the stakeholders) - it is the highest form of citizen participation in decision-making, It is generally accepted that the decentralization of involving the sharing of the power of the local government with the community. political decisions and services leads to increased citizen participation and more appropriate solutions to problems, and should therefore offer better opportunities for poverty In the field of inclusive local development, the objective reduction7. is to reach the highest possible level of participation, Citizen participation is one of the cornerstones of local according to the context of intervention. Information is governance and inclusive development. It reflects the the minimum level that must be guaranteed, regardless of principle that citizens of the community, as individuals, the circumstances. groups or organizations, or through representation, Citizen participation only takes on its full meaning if it can participate in the planning, implementation and is included at every stage of the development process, monitoring of the development process, thus ensuring from analyzing the problems to be resolved through consideration for their rights and their needs. to the design of a project, its implementation, its monitoring and the evaluation of the results attained.
7 OECD. « Lessons Learned on Donor Support to Decentralisation and Local 8 Kernem, K. « La concertation locale dans les projets de développement: enjeux, Governance », DAC Evaluation Series, (OECD, Paris: 2004). pratiques et perspectives », ENDA Europe, (ENDA: Paris: 2004).
30 - Rights in Action Participation should be considered as a dynamic process, involving the development of capacities of all stakeholders and the empowerment of various citizen groups. In the case of this study, this refers to the capacity of DPOs to have effective and autonomous participation in decision making processes. Being a citizen means being in a position to influence the life of the community. An important question to consider is: what mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that people with disabilities or their representatives can contribute to the management of the local area and get involved in decision-making, particularly on the issues that concern them directly? Decentralization does not lead automatically to greater citizen participation by excluded groups. Decentralization alone is not necessarily enough to «enhance community participation in the affairs of the local government authorities» (R. Lemarchand, 1998). The territorial organization defined in the decentralization framework must be based on cooperation and synergy among all local stakeholders to help plan and implement a local project for everyone, and especially for the most vulnerable. To ensure that decentralization does not lead to a mere submission of the lowest income classes to local elites, this territorial organization must rely on a system of local governance based on formalized mechanisms for participatory management and decision-making.
Rights in Action - 31 Understanding key terms
« Governance » is the term covering the consensus orientation, equity, effectiveness mechanisms, procedures and institutions and efficiency, accountability and strategic through which: vision. JJcollective decisions are made and applied; These core characteristics are mutually JJcitizens, groups and communities pursue reinforcing and cannot stand alone: “Good their visions, articulate their interests, exercise governance means that political, social and their rights, fulfil their duties and express their economic priorities are founded on a general differences. consensus and that the voices of the poorest and most vulnerable are taken into account in «The concept of governance…established the decision-making process” (ENDA). itself in the late 80s…as an attempt to address The term « local governance » is related to the inefficiency of government structures by decentralization and local development and emphasizing the importance of other social includes both the concepts of accountability dynamics» and local democracy. (Carter Center, in Jaglin, 1998). «Local governance refers to the interactions For local communities, governance is intended between different stakeholders at the local as the possibility for poor and excluded people level, from local authorities and representatives to enter the sphere of public debate and of civil society to the private sector. political choices that concern their daily lives: Efficient and effective local governance (good «The concept of governance recognizes that governance) is the result of a set of institutions, authorities do not govern alone, that they mechanisms and processes through which are part of a complex network of interactions citizens and groups can express their interests between institutions and groups. …Citizenship and needs (including discriminated against is effective when the people are integrated in individuals, such as people with disabilities, this network and play an active role». women, minorities and people living with HIV/ (Rodriguez and Winchester, 1996 in Carrion, AIDS), communicate their differences, and 2001) exercise their rights and obligations at the « Good governance », a concept developed local level. 2». in line with the structural adjustment policies It seems evident that the concept of local of the 1990s, is understood and applied governance essentially implies the concept of differently by the various stakeholders inclusion. Indeed, if the key principles of good involved in development. There is, however, governance are applied, local governance one common understanding that relates to a must be inclusive towards vulnerable groups movement towards “decentering” of decision- (including people with disabilities). Inclusive making, with the active involvement of many local governance therefore means placing different actors: an emphasis on the effective inclusion of The UNDP suggests that good governance marginalised and discriminated populations. includes the following principles 1: participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness,
1 PNUD, « Governance for Sustainable Human Development », New York, 2 UNDP, « Supporting Capacities for Integrated Local Development, Practice 1997. Note » (UNDP, 2007).
32 - Rights in Action What is the link Article 29 on the between inclusive Convention on the Rights local governance of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention Participation in political and public life on the Rights States Parties shall guarantee to persons with of Persons with disabilities political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others, and shall Disabilities? undertake to: The concept of inclusive local governance has a strong a. Ensure that persons with disabilities can link with the Convention on the Rights of Persons effectively and fully participate in political and with Disabilities (CRPD), and specifically with Article public life on an equal basis with others, directly or 29. This article concerns the participation of people through freely chosen representatives, including the with disabilities in political and public life. right and opportunity for persons with disabilities to vote and be elected, inter alia, by: Section a) refers to the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process, and section b) is i. Ensuring that voting procedures, facilities and related to the participation of people with disabilities materials are appropriate, accessible and easy to in public affairs through their participation in NGOs understand and use; or disabled people’s organizations. ii. Protecting the right of persons with disabilities The second section of ‘part b’ in particular is more to vote by secret ballot in elections and public closely related to the subject of this study. The good referendums without intimidation, and to practices presented in the report are related to this stand for elections, to effectively hold office section of Article 29 of the CRPD. and perform all public functions at all levels of government, facilitating the use of assistive and new technologies where appropriate; iii. Guaranteeing the free expression of the will of persons with disabilities as electors and to this end, where necessary, at their request, allowing assistance in voting by a person of their own choice; b. Promote actively an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public affairs, without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, and encourage their participation in public affairs, including: i. Participation in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country, and in the activities and administration of political parties; ii. Forming and joining organizations of persons with disabilities to represent persons with disabilities at international, national, regional and local levels.
Rights in Action - 33 Part III. DISABILITY AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN WEST AFRICA
Decentralization and local governance: a process in motion
Since the end of the 1980’s, the concept of decentralization has become a clear political priority for many countries in the global South (especially in Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America). Certain factors have influenced central governments, particularly in West Africa, to embrace decentralization as a new way to organize public action9: JJthe first factor relates to increased democracy as a result of pressures from both civil society and development partners. Development partners increasingly impose conditionalities for their aid, namely the strengthening of democracy at both local and central levels; JJthe second factor is linked to financial crisis and the reduced management capacities of central governments. Many have been forced to find new ways to provide and manage public utilities. Decentralization, through the transfer of skills to more local levels, has been identified as an appropriate response to the search for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of public services; JJthe third factor is urbanization: Africa is becoming increasingly urban, with a constant and rapid creation of new municipalities. Local governments will thus continue to gain demographic and economic importance. Local government is therefore often perceived as a place suitable for the emergence of a new democracy and for the provision of public services according to the principle of subsidiarity.
9 UN Capital Development Fund: « Practices and instruments for local development in West Africa ». (September 2006: New York).
34 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 35 Another important aspect of decentralization is to ensure effective The fragility of local finances and weak capacities of local actors to regional balance to empower both rural and urban communities, play the required leading role in local development, particularly making them important catalysts for development, particularly in fighting poverty. regarding the provision of public services. Indeed rural areas will A lack of effective means to organize and finance long-term not remain on the sidelines of the debate on democratization and processes of integration and social dialogue at the local level. decentralization: Experimentation based on action research has taken place across Africa, and particularly West Africa. As part See Annexes for further information about the political, of this, committees or village development councils (CVD), institutional and legislative context in West Africa. which are democratically elected by the people, will be formed to manage the affairs of the communities concerned. The situation of people with Each local authority in West Africa has full decision powers in disabilities terms of legal jurisdiction and financial autonomy. The principle of self-government is recognized for each level of decentralization, Official statistics on the situation of people with disabilities in even in countries with several levels of local administration Africa are not available. However, according to WHO sources, like Senegal, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Thus, there is no people with disabilities represent approximately 7% to 10% of domination among local authorities, just functional relationships. the total population. The number of people with disabilities in West Africa is therefore estimated to be between 16 and 23 To illustrate this situation, it is possible to take Senegal million. as an example of where two levels of local authorities co- exist: the region and the commune (or rural community). As discussed on page 19 of this report, people with disabilities The region has responsibility for secondary education in all countries of the world experience high levels of social and the municipality has responsibility for pre-school and exclusion, discrimination and a denial of their fundamental elementary education. human rights. However this is particularly the case in West Africa, a geopolitical region characterised by endemic critical poverty and political and civil unrest. It is clear that most laws or instruments for the enforcement of There is a range of different constraints that limit the social and decentralization are not yet in force. Indeed in some countries in economic participation of people with disabilities in West Africa. West Africa decentralization is not yet functioning at all. While these vary from one country to another, there are some commonalities that have identified through the DECISPH Despite the diversity of African contexts and the different project and through discussion and investigations with partners ways that municipalities have approached the recent wave of involved in this study. These include: decentralization, many countries share a number of common concerns and difficulties, in particular: Local constraints The temptation of control by the central government remains. Political leaders often perceive decentralization as both an JJFirstly, people with disabilities lack access to information about opportunity and a threat: the context of widespread economic their rights. This leads to a lack of knowledge about how to insecurity, fear of competition among the elite, and the challenge their situation. Therefore, people with disabilities often empowerment of conflicting local authorities often make the passively suffer discrimination in all aspects of their daily lives. decentralization process contradictory and hesitant; This lack of knowledge is widespread throughout society and serves to perpetuate inequality; Ineffective transfer of skills: land control is still largely in the hands of central governments, which find it difficult to transfer JJsociety generally has a negative perception and a certain attitude crucial political and economic powers. Procedures for public of rejection or contempt vis-à-vis people with disabilities, who are procurement remain highly centralized, which increases considered unproductive, dependent, or requiring additional the costs of local management, undermines consolidation expense; of the authority necessary for local development, penalizes JJsocio-cultural beliefs often further isolate people with disabilities local entrepreneurs, and also therefore local economies and in their communities, particularly when these beliefs associate employment; disability with a mystical spell incurred by misconduct; A weak link between local processes and central supervision: the JJthe various types of support services for children with decentralization of state services is rather slow and lags behind disabilitiesd and their families, for example adaptive devices the actual needs of local governments (inability to reconcile or care services, are generally insufficient; the «horizontal» planning of the communes and the «vertical» JJpeople with disabilities often live on the fringes of planning of supervision ministries). society; they are “invisible”, and their needs are not taken
36 - Rights in Action into account in local development initiatives to allow them in different countries of West Africa, taking into account people access to various basic services. with disabilities. However, for the most part, the classification JJpeople with disabilities have very limited access both to the schemes used do not allow for a reliable interpretation of the data physical environment and to public information. This further collected. This shortcoming is a disadvantage when lobbying reduces involvement in social and political life; authorities and donors for the recognition of disability as a mainstream development issue. JJDPOs often have limited knowledge and skills in the fields of law and advocacy, which reduces the impact of their actions. Also, In general, there is a lack of mechanisms at local and national level they often fail to work in partnership with each other or with to analyse and discuss disability issues (between governments, other development stakeholders. This sense of isolation limits experts, civil society); possibilities for building a strong disability movement; JJthe inclusion of people with disabilities among the JJDPOs are often dominated by men with physical impairments. target groups and beneficiaries of projects funded by This limits their capacities to fully represent the needs and international development organizations is still low. interests of all people with disabilities, including women with International and national NGOs are not sufficiently disabilities and people with physical, visual, hearing or intellectual aware of disability issues and the possibilities for inclusive impairments or mental health issues; intervention, neither are people with disabilities or their JJDPOs, particularly when they are dynamic, often have to deal representative associations; with the demands of their members to focus on the immediate JJin some countries, national federations of DPOs experience concerns of financial or material assistance. This focus on significant operational difficulties related to low levels of immediate needs often precludes a long-term vision for addressing administrative skills and limited operational resources. Weak the root causes of social / economic exclusion; internal governance, a lack of close links between national JJDPOs often have limited knowledge of, and access to, existing federations, their member organizations and the reality on the local consultation mechanisms – i.e the places where decisions ground, are also recurring problems. and discussions about local policies and services take place. Regional constraints National constraints JJCoordination and exchanges between disabled people’s JJThe implementation of laws with specific reference to the rights organizations of the sub-region are weak. There is no capitalization of people with disabilities is not sufficiently pursued or supported; or dissemination of good practices or successes within the sub- therefore such laws are rarely effective. In some countries, these region; laws are totally insufficient. This situation can also be observed JJthere is a sub-regional federation of DPOs (the West African regarding the process of ratification of the CRPD. Most of the West Federation of Disabled People’s Organizations), based in Mali, African countries have signed the CRPD, but the mechanisms but for several years it has faced operational difficulties, which and the means to guarantee an effective implementation are not have affected its dynamism. yet defined; JJInformation and national data concerning people with Opportunities disabilities is extremely limited. Where it exists it is often However, these various legislative and institutional constraints unreliable. Several national population censuses and statistical or problems should not obscure more favourable and positive surveys sponsored by international agencies have been carried out
Rights in Action - 37 factors, in particular the strong interest that national stakeholders of specific actions and indicators in the field of disability inside show for the new approach to disability based on human rights, the PRSP and other key development tools; and the changes in the intervention strategies of international JJthe mainstreaming of disability that is evident in the various cooperation stakeholders. These are favourable factors for the policies and strategies of donors and international development implementation of actions to support advocacy at the national agencies and actors (EU, WB, UNDP, etc.); and regional levels, for the development of new laws against JJan observed increase in opportunities to mobilize and engage discrimination, and for inclusive national and local policies. decision makers and development actors on disability issues at The ratification of the UN Convention is a tremendous national and local levels; opportunity to mobilize and engage the political authorities of JJthe decentralization process is well advanced in most of West each country in this process alongside civil society organisations. African countries. As a result of this movement, local authorities From this perspective, it is important to note some of the positive (town councils, village groups, districts, etc.) are becoming key elements and opportunities in the West Africa context that players in many countries, often with a strong, direct impact should advance the process towards inclusive development and on the daily lives of people with disabilities. As such, we can governance, for example: see that the issues of good governance and the participation of JJthe signature of the CRPD in all the countries involved in traditionally excluded groups are often most effectively addressed DECISIPH project and the ratification by Burkina Faso, Guinea, at the local level; Mali, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone; JJthe continued growth of the West African disability movement. JJthe extension of African Decade of People with Disabilities Despite the difficulties, DPOs have showed increased dynamism, (which heavily promotes a human rights approach to disability and reinforced capacities to take on initiatives, manage projects issues) by the governments of African Union from 2009 to 2018; and develop more democratic internal practices. JJthe elaboration or the revision of laws, policies and strategies For further information about disability issues in West Africa, with specific reference to people with disability by several West please see the Annexes. African governments. This includes, for example, the integration
38 - Rights in Action th MALI - 7th April 2008 NIGER - 24 June 2008
SENEGAL- 7th September 2010
GUINEA - 8th February 2008
SIERRA LEONE - 4th October 2010 NIGERIA - 24th September 2009
BURKINA FASO - 23rd July 2009
THE WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES THAT HAVE RATIFIED THE CONVENTION October 2010 (www.un.org/disabilities)
Rights in Action - 39 Part IV. GOOD PRACTICES of INCLUSIVE LOCAL GOVERNANCE
Identifying and documenting good practices
Process The identification and documentation of good practices of inclusive local governance was undertaken in the following West African countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. A research officer was recruited in each country (including 2 people with disabilities and one woman). The six research officers were trained in inclusive development, local governance and the methodology and approaches of the “Rights in Action” initiative. They were also trained in techniques for conducting field interviews. They carried out their research under the supervision of the DECISIPH project managers of Handicap International. The research and analysis of good practices was conducted in collaboration with national committees in each country consisting of Handicap International, the National Federations of DPOs, Ministries and public institutions in charge of disability issues, local authorities, Human Rights and Development organizations, and the media. Together, these organizations were able to propose examples of good practice that the field researchers could further investigate. The field researchers documented good practices in the form of case studies. The national committees convened meetings to discuss, review, select and validate these case studies. They also started a process of developing practical recommendations for different development actors, based on the experiences of good practice. The national committees submitted the selected case studies to the regional committee. A two day regional committee meeting was convened in Dakar, Senegal in order to make a final analysis, selection and validation of case studies for this publication.
40 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 41 This process was carried out according to the following criteria (as defined by the regional committee through a participatory process): JJGOOD EXAMPLE OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE; JJINCLUSION (involvement of all social groups); JJPOSITIVE IMPACT (on individuals, social environment, policy makers); JJINNOVATION (new way of acting in the country); JJPOSSIBILITIES FOR REPLICATION OF THE GOOD PRACTICE; JJSUSTAINABILITY OF THE GOOD PRACTICE; JJPOSSIBILITY TO USE THE GOOD PRACTICE; FOR RECOMMENDATIONS (to policy makers, NGOs, DPOs, etc). Decision-making by consensus was preferred by the Regional Committee. Some good practice case studies were merged (for example when they took place in the same locality), and others were not selected, in order to keep to a total of 26 case studies for the final report. Having made the selection of case studies, the regional committee then developed a series of practical recommendations and guidelines to be proposed to different development stakeholders for the strengthening and development of inclusive local governance. This process was based on the initial analysis carried out at the national committee level. The following section of the report presents the good practices case studies from Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
42 - Rights in Action Good practices: Benin
Case Study I
Participation of the Savalouase Association of People with Motor Disabilities in the Social Watch of Savalou
Location: Savalou, Département des Collines, Republic of Benin Related articles of the CRPD: 29. Stakeholders involved: Savalouase Association of People with Motor Disabilities (ASHAM), City Council of Savalou, Social Watch (civil society platform), NGOs of Savalou
Description of the Social Watch practice and the Social Watch (SW) was established in 1995, after the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen, Denmark. process involved The primary mission of Social Watch Benin (www.socialwatch-benin.org), founded in Savalou is a municipality located 2005, is the promotion of citizen influence over national and local policies in Benin. The objectives of Social Watch Benin are as follows: in central-western Benin, in the 1) Strengthen the lobbying and advocacy capacity of civil society organizations to Département des Collines, 218 km influence the local and national decisions of central and local governments, and the from Cotonou. It has about 104,745 actions of development partners with a view to bringing about political changes to inhabitants. favour the poorest citizens; 2) Participate effectively in the drafting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of In this locality, where tradition is the PRSP alongside government institutions and financial partners; very strong, people with disabilities 3) Monitor the budget of the state and municipalities to ensure the inclusion of the poor are considered as «Tohossou», in the use of Official Development Assistance (ODA); which means «fetishes» in the local 4) Produce an annual independent alternative civil society report on the implementation language. They face discrimination, of the MDGs and on poverty reduction strategies in Benin; 5) Organize civil society at the municipal level and in the various sectors of activity marginalization and a lack of social (thematic groups) for the effective participation of citizens in the various social support. development processes; As a result, the Savalouase Association 6) Monitor the local implementation of the Communal Development Plans (PDC) by the local branches of Social Watch Benin. of People with Motor Disabilities (ASHAM) has emerged with the aim of promoting the rights of persons local branch of Social Watch, an Watch sits in on almost all the sessions with disabilities through awareness- international network of citizen of the council, and a disabled person raising and theatre. ASHAM has organizations. Social Watch holds is in charge of reporting back on the always wanted to ensure that people governments, the UN system meetings. with disabilities regain their dignity and international organizations and participate fully in the social, accountable for the fulfilment of The factors that made cultural, economic and political life national, regional and international this practice possible of their environment. commitments to eradicate poverty. In 2007, the City of Savalou invited all At the meeting for the establishment The reputation and dynamism of NGOs working in the area to attend of the local branch of Social Watch ASHAM was confirmed during the a meeting to establish a platform Benin and the election of the discussion of local development for local civil society organizations. coordination officers, the President issues and was decisive in obtaining Sixteen NGOs responded to the of the Savalouase Association of this position. ASHAM, which works invitation, including the Savalouase People with Motor Disabilities with people with disabilities and also Association of People with Motor (ASHAM) was elected to the position with women’s groups, has managed Disabilities. of Rapporteur of the Social Watch to gain the attention and the respect of the people of Savalou. The platform in question was the branch of Savalou. Since then, Social
Rights in Action - 43 Here in Savalou, everybody knows me, not because of my disability, but because of my involvement in many local development activities. I like to act to make that development a reality. Generally, people think of people with disabilities as incompetent, as “social burdens” or dependants that you must get rid of. As far as we are concerned, we do our best to correct that negative image and to demystify disability. At the municipal council, we defend positions for the welfare of the whole Some of the difficulties The participation of Social Watch has allowed community. encountered some members of ASHAM to receive training in agro-pastoral techniques, management and Mr. Paulin GBAGUIDI, No major difficulties were encountered in simplified accounting for income-generating President of the activities, and hygiene and sanitation. They Savalouase Association the implementation of this practice, since of People with Motor ASHAM is regarded highly at the local have also received credits to start their activities. Disabilities, and level. Even local authorities have strongly Being in this social network has enabled Spokesperson of Social supported the candidacy of ASHAM because the association of people with disabilities Watch. they knew how dynamic it was and how it to establish links with various development could contribute to the development of the stakeholders at the local, national and locality. However, there was some hesitation international levels. within ASHAM and debates on the actual capacity of the organization to assume such Related articles of the an important role as Rapporteur for the local CRPD branch of Social Watch. The involvement of the Savalouase Association of People with Motor The effects of the Disabilities in the civil society platform of practice Savalou reflects the principles of Article 29 of the Convention on the political The participation of ASHAM in the local participation of people with disabilities, civil society platform has allowed people so that they can be fully integrated into with disabilities to contribute to debate and the civil society movement and fight for decision-making on development issues in their needs to be taken into account just the municipality of Savalou. Through this like those of other citizens. participation, all the members of Social Watch and of the municipal council have become familiarised with disability issues. For more information, please contact: Particular attention was paid to the needs of Paulin Gbaguidi, people with disabilities and concrete actions President of ASHAM and Rapporteur of were developed. Thus, Social Watch organized Social WATCH training for people with disabilities on various E-mail: [email protected]. issues, for example the means of preventing Denami Dieudonné, common diseases. People with disabilities have ASHAM Administrative Manager also received support from another project Tel: 00 229 95 46 76 45. regarding the establishment of small stores.
44 - Rights in Action Good practices: BURKINA FASO
Case Study I
Official participation of People with Disabilities in the sessions of the city council of Bilanga
Location: City of Bilanga, Eastern Region of Burkina Faso. Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29. Stakeholders involved: city council of Bilanga, groups of people with disabilities from Bilanga, Association for the Development of the Department of Bilanga (ADDB), Projet Production Internationale (PPI).
Description of One grouping is called Tin Taani In December 2008, official the practice and Soani Grouping of People with correspondence was addressed to Disabilities of Bilanga (GHTB) and the representatives of the DPOs in implementation the other is called Tin Taani Soani both villages inviting them to attend the process Grouping of People with Disabilities sessions of the council. Since then, they of Bilanga - Yanga. These entities have been playing a very active role in The rural municipality of Bilanga have been working since 2009 to these meetings. is one of the largest and most establish a communal association of populated in the Gnagna province in people with disabilities. The factors that made the eastern region of Burkina Faso. The department of Bilanga was made The close collaboration between this practice possible a municipality in December 2004, ADDB and GHTB, including the joint development of certain activities, The President of GHTB is a municipal councillor, who is influential and respected. He works at the registry office and is involved in development actions. Through his position and his office, he has promoted exchanges and meetings between people with disabilities and the city council. The ADDB association has had a new president since 2008 who is very dynamic and committed to issues concerning vulnerable groups. He supports the DPOs in preparing their activity reports and in the selection of but municipal authorities were put important issues to be discussed at in place and began operating only has helped strengthen relations and council. in 2006. The municipality comprises exchanges with the city council. This The capacity building activities 70 administrative villages spread over has led to the participation of people undertaken by the partners of 2,100 km2 and has 9,266 inhabitants. with disabilities in the sessions of the the DPOs have allowed better council. The president of GHTB, organization. According to Suleyman The stakeholders working on local who is also a Bilanga municipal development issues include the Lankouandé, President of the councillor, introduced a request municipal councillors, Association for the Development for the involvement of people with « they are better organized than other of the Department of Bilanga disabilities in community decision- associations, and it is easier to work (ADDB) and a group of people with making. disabilities present in two villages. with them and involve them.»
Rights in Action - 45 Some of the difficulties encountered The low level of education and the conditions of poverty and disability have limited the involvement of some group members in the discussions on issues to be submitted to the council. That is why ADDB has initiated actions to strengthen the capacity of disability organizations in terms of the analysis of problems and stakeholders, speaking in public etc. Also, with the support of Projet who were previously excluded, reflects The effects of the Production Internationale (PPI) for a genuine desire for collaboration on practice the drilling of wells, a disabled person the part of local decision makers. The has been selected to manage the largest participation of DPOs in the sessions of The inclusion of people with disabilities pump well in the district. the council is an example of inclusion inside this platform for exchange and But the most important effect of in public life and in politics. The participation in the city of Bilanga has this practice has been the inclusion inclusion of disability in the Municipal enriched the council significantly. It of people with disabilities in the Development Plan shows that the has led to increased reflection on issues Municipal Development Plan (DCP) participation of people with disabilities about local inclusion, accessibility and the 2010 municipal budget. has produced concrete results in terms and the needs of marginalised groups, Specific actions have been identified of inclusion. including people with disabilities. and budgeted for. These involve raising What are the main According to the accountant of the city public awareness of disability, of the points that require council, «the participation of people work of DPOs and of the situation of with disabilities is very significant and attention? How could it people with disabilities on issues such be improved? opens the eyes of many municipal as gender and HIV/AIDS, as well as councillors.» vocational training. Presidents of DPOs should ensure that their members are active in The representatives of the disability For future joint projects, such as the contributing to the reflections / groups who take part in the sessions construction of the municipal market, planning of the council. To this end, of the council regularly report on their public latrines and other pump wells, systematic preparation for board activities, ask questions, participate in people with disabilities are expected meetings is essential. discussions, and influence decisions. to be involved in the planning and Their contributions are increasingly management. taken into consideration, and have For more information, contact: raised the awareness of municipal Related articles of the Lankouande Souleymane, President of Municipal Councillors. councillors about the problems and CRPD Tel.: 00 226 76 17 89 55. needs of people with disabilities. A s The sharing of information, the a result, municipal councillors have contribution to municipal debates become involved in activities such and involvement in the management as the identification of people with of community facilities link disabilities in the city and the issuing the practice to Article 29 of the of birth certificates, as most people Convention. with disabilities do not have these vital documents. An example of disability inclusion Moreover, one result of this participation has been the provision Council meetings are, in principle, open of an equipped literacy centre for use to all citizens, but the fact of sending by DPOs, with technical supervision official correspondence to solicit the provided by the city council. participation of people with disabilities,
46 - Rights in Action Case Study Ii Promoting inclusion of people with disabilities in community water management and access to municipal services in the district of Tenkodogo
Location: City of Tenkodogo, Central East Region of Burkina Faso Reference to articles of the CRPD: 19, 27 and 29. Stakeholders involved: city council of Tenkodogo, Tenkodogo branch of the National water and sanitation company (ONEA), Programme for the Development of the Water and Sanitation Sector, Phase II (PADESA II), local DPO.
Description of the practice and implementation proces Tenkodogo is the capital of the East Central region of Burkina Faso. Officially a ‘municipality’ since 1995, Tenkodogo has 124,053 inhabitants, according to the 2006 census. Around 1,772 people with disabilities live in the district, grouped into 18 organizations (Handicap International Burkina- Niger Programme, 2007). A regional coordination of these organizations was established in 2009. This coordination has initiated a process of advocacy and negotiations with the local authorities for: JJthe inclusion of people with disabilities in the management of community pump wells and JJpeople with disabilities having access to municipal services.
Management of pump wells (DPOs), the municipal council These managers include three women The town’s water supply and pump decided to give priority to people and two men with motor disabilities wells were put in place by the with disabilities in the management and a man with visual impairment. Tenkodogo branch of the national of these facilities. A decision has been A DPO (APEAMB)10is also on the water and sanitation company taken by the council in this regard. waiting list for future allocations. (ONEA). In 2009, the National The criteria for the selection of pump plan for the Development of the A project for the supply of three other well managers were the ability to pump wells to the town council from Water and Sanitation Sector, Phase manage such facilities and residence II (PADESEA II) supplied the city a partner organization, «DAKOUPA», in the neighbourhood or area where will enable the coordination to put with nine additional standpipes in the standpipes are located. The addition to the 35 already existing in forward other people with disabilities management of 6 of the 9 pump wells for new allocations, taking into the district. has now been assigned to people with Following the advocacy undertaken disabilities. 10 Association pour la Persévérance, l’Epanouissement by Disabled People’s Organizations des Aveugles et Malvoyants du Boulgou
Rights in Action - 47 For Zarata, such initiatives will accelerate the change in the way persons with disabilities are perceived:
Today, people come to me for advice on hygiene and I also educate my family members, people in my area and especially women who come over to the standpipe. I am happy to be here and I know that people need me.
account tangible management results on working for the city council; one of the ground. whom serves as the President of the Sawadogo Ousmanne Regional Coordination of DPOs. This has been a shopkeeper Access to municipal has enabled their colleagues to recognize for many years and services was born with a visual the skills of people with disabilities and impairment. He operates To fully include people with disabilities in become aware of the difficulties they his business without any society, they should be given easy access encounter on a daily basis. This factor assistance, picks articles emphasizes the importance of the right for his customers, and to municipal services and registry office gives them change. services like any other citizen. to political participation for people He confirms that the with disabilities. To this end, priority access and support management of the The coordination of DPOs played pump well is a little more services have been granted to people with profitable than operating disabilities in the city. The procedures a decisive role in encouraging the the shop. for obtaining vital documents have been participation of people with disabilities, simplified to reduce waiting time. A future by sending correspondence to the What I earn from the decision of the board should also exonerate various member organizations. DPOs management of the pump well holders of the indigence card from the costs also monitored the work of the water will allow me this year to send of these vital documents. managers, as it was important that my daughter to a big school people with disabilities were seen to To facilitate access for people with reduced in the municipality. Without it, be capable of managing communal she would have been obliged mobility, a ramp was built at the entrance facilities. to stay at home. to City Hall. The attitude of the municipality was The factors that made also favourable to DPO requests for this practice possible improved access to municipal services. The awareness and capacity building This initiative was made possible work of DPOs in the country has allowed by the positive attitude of the City the public to have a better knowledge of Tenkodogo vis-à-vis people with of the problems faced by people with disabilities. Undoubtedly, this vision disabilities, and contributed to making has been facilitated by the existing the action of DPOs more organized and presence of 5 people with disabilities effective.
48 - Rights in Action Some of the difficulties positions, enabling them to improve disabled people’s organizations and has encountered their living conditions and their role facilitated: in society; JJtheir access to employment by Regarding the management of pump JJthe disabled managers of pump entrusting the management of wells, a major difficulty was the lack of wells raise public awareness about community facilities to them on the physical access. The pump wells are not hygiene practices; basis of their skills; designed to be operated by persons with JJ people with disabilities can more JJaccess to municipal services. disabilities: they are very high, there is easily reach the mayor’s office thanks no ramp, and this causes difficulties for to the construction of the ramp. What are the main persons with disabilities. They no longer have to wait or points that require «I have personally visited people with take appointments to obtain vital attention? How could it disabilities who manage pump wells and documents. They are welcomed and be improved? I have realized that it’s very difficult for supported where appropriate within The physical accessibility of some of them, but the design of the pump the City Hall; communal facilities (pump wells, wells is decided at a high level» said the JJusers and staff are aware of the public buildings etc.) is crucial to head of the regional branch of ONEA. problems that people with disabilities ensure conditions for the genuine This is now a key issue for advocacy face as regards access to communal participation of people with amongst DPOs engaged on water issues. services and the need to take measures disabilities in economic, social and to address their needs. political life. The effects of the Link with the CRPD practice For more information, contact: This practice has links with the Balima Christian JJPeople with disabilities now play President of the Central East Regional articles of the CRPD on the Coordination of DPOs. a key role in local decision-making autonomous living of persons with Tel.: 00 226 70 23 86 77. about the management of water disabilities and their inclusion in services; society (Section 19), employment JJthe positioning of people with (Article 27) and participation in disabilities in the management of public life (Article 29). communal facilities promotes a different perception of disability An example of disability within the community; inclusion JJpeople with disabilities have better The city council has taken into access to local authority management account the needs and concerns of
Rights in Action - 49 Case Study Iii Involvement of a DPO in implementing the strategy of the Communal Management Support Unit of the Swiss Cooperation in Fada N'Gourma
Location: City of Fada N’Gourma, Eastern Region of Burkina Faso. Reference to articles of the CRPD: Article 21, 27 and 29. Stakeholders involved: Communal Management Support Unit (CAGEC) of the Swiss Cooperation, City of Fada N’Gourma, DPOs of Fada N’Gourma, Eastern Regional Coordination of DPOs
Description of the process. This allowed members the choices that it was advocating. the practice and of the association to contribute to the Some members of the DPO already study and to influence the policy from had ideas for projects, which they implementation the outset. presented to the steering committee process At the end of the study, a steering for the purpose of obtaining funding. committee, comprising officials from The city of Fada N’Gourma is the Some of the difficulties capital of the Eastern Region. Local the city council, social services and the organizations play a significant role and Swiss Cooperation was set up to manage encountered conduct a variety of complementary the «social development support fund”, intended to finance income-generating In the workshops for the identification activities. Among the existing of vulnerability criteria, the differing organizations, there is a DPO that micro projects. The DPO, as a result of their input into the study, was invited views of the participants created operates on a provincial scale: the some difficulties, but dialogue and Association of People with Disabilities to join the steering committee of the social fund. This presence has allowed the desire for mutual understanding of the Gourma Region (APHG), helped them to reach a consensus. established in 1996 and officially members of the organization to defend recognized the following year. It has 411 the socio-economic interests of people Some members of the DPO did not active members. with disabilities and to meet other fully participate in the study, especially stakeholders with whom they have people with disabilities working in In the past, this organization has developed new partnerships. the public administration. According conducted significant activities in the to the Regional Coordinator of fields of education and training and The factors that made DPOs for the Eastern Region, «people has developed partnerships with the this practice possible with disabilities who hold government city of Fada N’Gourma, the Provincial posts or have a satisfactory economic Department of Social Action, the The participatory and inclusive and social situation are often not very Provincial Department of Sport, and approach supported by the Swiss involved in our struggles or in the the NGO International Service (IS). Cooperation facilitated the activities of our organizations.» The Swiss Cooperation, through its involvement of the DPO in the Communal Management Support conducting of the study and its The effects of the Unit (CAGEC), has developed in presence on the management practice collaboration with the municipality committee of the social development of Fada N’Gourma a support strategy fund. JJThe involvement of the DPO in the for vulnerable people based on the Already well-organized, the DPO was definition and implementation of the implementation of income-generating an active civil society organization in strategy to support vulnerable people micro projects. To identify vulnerability the region; its determination led to has enabled the various stakeholders criteria, poverty indicators and funding it being identified as one of the key to see for themselves the skills and opportunities, a study was conducted stakeholders of the study. Moreover, the quality of the reflections of people from 2006 to 2007 in the city. The the experience of the organization in with disabilities. The DPO has since organization of people with disabilities terms of partnerships was a factor in been asked to take part in other of Fada was involved in the Communal the quality of its contributions and consultation mechanisms at the local Management Support Unit throughout further underlined the pertinence of and regional levels;
50 - Rights in Action JJdue to the involvement of members been excluded by the Communal What are the main of the DPOs in the process, the other Management Support Unit. Thanks points that require participants of the study and the to lobbying by the DPO, six people attention? How could it steering committee have been educated with disabilities and one DPO have be improved? in the rights and needs of people with benefited from microcredits for To promote the sustainability of this disabilities. The DPO has contributed, projects in this field; practice, it is very important for the among other things, to the adoption of JJthanks to this experience, the city council to take ownership of the more inclusive and politically correct DPO has now been introduced to participatory and inclusive approach terminology on disability issues; stakeholders in the sectors of health, promoted by the Swiss Cooperation JJthe DPO has defended the need for education and agriculture, and to other and then extend it to other strategic the creation of a social service within local authority stakeholders. sectors. For their part, DPOs should the Fada City Hall. This has now reflect on issues related to the become a reality. Moreover, people Link with the CRPD commitment of their members and with disabilities have increasing levels The CRPD promotes the participation the concepts of public and personal of access to these services; of people with disabilities in the interest. JJthe dynamism of the DPO has been development process. This practice is an expression of the involvement strengthened after their involvement in For more information, contact: the study, and people with disabilities of people with disabilities at various Eastern Regional Coordination of are increasingly invited to attend phases of the strategy to support DPOs, various information-sharing meetings vulnerable people in the city of Fada. Youma Michel. and events in the city. The members Tel: 00 226 76 13 44 37 who have participated in the study An example of disability or 0226 40 77 12 85. also recognize they have acquired inclusion additional skills and knowledge; This practice has ensured the needs JJthe DPO and its members are very and views of people with disabilities active in the field of handicrafts, have been considered in the study and have managed to integrate this and in selecting the activities to be sector among the income generating implemented, such as the funding of activities (IGA) that could receive micro projects and the creation of the funding. Handicrafts had originally municipal social service.
Rights in Action - 51 Case Study Iv Enthronement of a person with a disability as chief of the village of Baskouré
Location: Municipality of Baskouré, Kouritenga Province, Central-East Region of Burkina Faso Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: Chieftainship of Koupéla, Chieftainship of Bondoudoum, City council of Baskouré, DPOs of Baskouré, Municipal Council of Baskouré
Description of the held important political positions. He According to the chief of Koupéla, practice and the was the leader of his political party and «in our tradition we are not used to had become a municipal councillor, and placing a person with a disability at the process involved also a regional councillor. head of a village. My primary concern Koupéla is the administrative centre is the development of the villages under of the province of Kouritenga and The factors that made my responsibility as a traditional chief. the department of Koupéla. Existing this practice possible Furthermore, I’m not taking a great risk alongside the official administration because I know that the new chief will in this municipality is a traditional The personal qualities of the leader of do well”. organization based on recognized heads Bondoudoum, recognized by all those of towns and villages. The chief of working with him, were among the The effects of the Koupéla is the head of some sixty village main factors that made the practice practice chiefs. possible. His experience and his career as a municipal and regional councillor JJThe involvement of the DPO in the On November 29, 2003 the Chief of facilitated his appointment as village definition and implementation of the Koupéla enthroned, for the first time, chief. strategy to support vulnerable people has a person with a disability as a village This practice was also the result of enabled the various stakeholders to see for chief: the new chief of Bondoudoum; themselves the skills and the quality of the Bondoudoum a village is under the ongoing community-level activities by civil society organizations (NGOs reflections of people with disabilities. The administrative supervision of the DPO has since been asked to take part municipality of Baskouré. and DPOs), who have engaged local communities in dialogue, consultations in other consultation mechanisms at the Enthroning a person with a disability is a and awareness-raising activities. This has local and regional levels; practice which breaks with tradition and increased understanding of disability JJdue to the involvement of members is therefore very innovative in terms of issues. of the DPOs in the process, the other local management customs. participants of the study and the steering The Chief of Koupéla acceded to the Some of the difficulties committee have been educated in the throne after the death of his father. encountered rights and needs of people with disabilities. During his lifetime, the father had never The DPO has contributed, among other enthroned a person with a disability «The chief of Bondoudoum is a things, to the adoption of more inclusive as village chief, and this had somewhat kinsman,» said the head of Koupéla. and politically correct terminology on been the “rule” throughout the Mossi This could have been an obstacle to disability issues; kingdom. In general, it is still difficult his enthronement, but ultimately the JJthe DPO has defended the need for the for a person with a disability to become a skills of the person prevailed in the creation of a social service within the Fada village chief, although a chief can remain choice. City Hall. This has now become a reality. chief after acquiring an impairment that Discussions with elders and the Moreover, people with disabilities have is not deemed too serious. friends of the late chief of Koupéla increasing levels of access to these services; The openness and commitment of the helped reassure the present chief of JJthe dynamism of the DPO has been chief of Koupéla to develop his land led Koupéla that, although unusual, a strengthened after their involvement in him to collaborate with a range of efficient visually impaired person can be a the study, and people with disabilities and competent individuals. The new traditional chief, provided he has the are increasingly invited to attend various Chief of Bondoudoum had previously required abilities. information-sharing meetings and
52 - Rights in Action events in the city. The members who have An example of disability A person with a disability participated in the study also recognize they inclusion is like a hurricane lamp; if have acquired additional skills and knowledge; it’s low, the light will not be This practice has ensured the needs and JJ visible from afar; but if you lift the DPO and its members are very active views of people with disabilities have been it high, its light is visible from a in the field of handicrafts, and have managed considered in the study and in selecting great distance and illuminates to integrate this sector among the income the activities to be implemented, such many other things generating activities (IGA) that could receive as the funding of micro projects and the funding. Handicrafts had originally been creation of the municipal social service. says the chief of excluded by the Communal Management Bondoudoum. Support Unit. Thanks to lobbying by the Possibilities for DPO, six people with disabilities and one improvement or scaling up DPO have benefited from microcredits for To promote the sustainability of this projects in this field; practice, it is very important for the JJthanks to this experience, the DPO has now city council to take ownership of the been introduced to stakeholders in the sectors participatory and inclusive approach of health, education and agriculture, and to promoted by the Swiss Cooperation and other local authority stakeholders. then extend it to other strategic sectors. For their part, DPOs should reflect on Related articles of the issues related to the commitment of their CRPD members and the concepts of public and The CRPD promotes the participation of personal interest. people with disabilities in the development process. This practice is an expression of For more information, contact: the involvement of people with disabilities Naaba Yemdé, Chief of Koupéla. at various phases of the strategy to support Tel.: 00 226 24 44 74. vulnerable people in the city of Fada.
Rights in Action - 53 Good practices: Mali
Case study I
Representation of a DPO on the Social Affairs Committee of the Municipal Council of Koumantou.
Location: Municipality of Koumantou, Cercle de Bougouni, Region of Sikasso, Mali Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: city council of Koumantou, DPO of Koumantou, local federation of DPOs (FELAPH) of Bougouni.
Description of the (dyeing, bogolan, soap making, DPO to select a member to join the practice and the sewing and small businesses). Within Committee for Social Affairs in the the organization, there is a theatre municipality. process involved troupe that raises awareness in the A woman was chosen to become a The Koumantou municipality is community about disability issues. member of the committee, although under the administrative supervision In 2007, the organization initiated she was not herself a municipal of the circle of Bougouni in the a process at the municipal council councillor. The decision was taken by Sikasso region. It comprises 37 villages for the allocation of space for the the unanimous vote of the members and has a total population of 41,189 construction of its headquarters. This present during a meeting arranged by inhabitants, distributed over an area request was granted in 2008 and the the organization. 2 of 1,268 km . organization was able to build its In October 2009, the DPO, The DPO of Koumantou was headquarters with the support of a in collaboration with the local created in 2004. It is an organization French organization. This had a big federation of DPOs (FELAPH) of composed of 63 of the 116 people impact in the municipality, because Bougouni, approached the council with disabilities living in the no local NGO had previously had a for the establishment of a partnership municipality (source: city council). headquarters. convention between the federation, This organization is implementing In June 2008, the municipal the local municipality and the DPO several income-generating activities council, after the setting up of the of Koumantou. This convention to benefit people with disabilities new municipal board, invited the was designed to encourage the participation of people with disabilities in the development process and in the implementation and monitoring of the Program for Economic, Social and Cultural Development. The partnership agreement signed in November 2009 led to a consideration of the needs of citizens with disabilities by involving them in the decision- making process of the municipality. The Regional Director for Social Development and Solidarity Economy of Sikasso said: «Local governance at DPO level necessarily entails building the capacity of these organizations to govern themselves by taking an active part in the development activities in their various local areas».
54 - Rights in Action women in general (the commission is Maimouna Koné (centre, The factors that made composed only of men). One practical in photo), the first woman this practice possible with a disability to sit on effect observed was the increased a municipal commission, The factors that made this possible were awareness among the staff of the said: the existence of a structured and dynamic municipality. disability organization as well as good relations Steps have now been taken to promote I’m proud of myself between the DPO, the local federation, and the participation of people with but I’m also proud of the town council. The positive dialogue with the decision of the other disabilities in the process of preparing the local municipal council has allowed the and monitoring the Economic, Social members of our organization. DPO to have some credibility at the level of In addition to being a woman, and Cultural Development Programme. the municipality. I am also disabled and The DPO is now confident that the therefore vulnerable in two The fact of being the only local NGO to have council will address some of the respects. I am a citizen and headquarters in the town has promoted the difficulties faced by local people with I am concerned with the visibility of the DPO and demonstrated the disabilities. The DPO now wishes management of my town. commitment of its members. to participate (like all other local I invite other people with The mayor said in interviews that they «were organizations) in decision-making disabilities in the municipality more dynamic than many other organizations processes. who are not members of an in the village.» organization to forget their Related articles of the personal little difficulties and The participation of the representative of CRPD to come and demonstrate the DPO in many of the activities of the their capabilities and potential municipality (weekly management of the The inclusion of a woman with a disability in the management of our market, events and festivities...) has shown in the social welfare committee is in line community. her willingness and commitment to the with Article 29 of the CRPD on the right development of the locality. of people with disabilities to participate fully and freely in the political and public Some of the difficulties life of their locality on an equal basis with encountered others. Discrimination and social stigma will An example of disability always present a major barrier for women inclusion with disabilities wishing to be involved in The participation of a woman with a local decision-making mechanisms. In this disability on the Social Affairs Committee case, the prejudices of the community were will encourage the consideration of overcome by the strength and determination the rights and needs of people with of this woman. Her considerable abilities disabilities in general and those of women were recognised by all members of the DPO with disabilities in particular. and the local council. For more information, contact: The effects of the Mariam Koné, member of Koumantou DPO. practice Tel.: 00 223 79295725. This practice has had a direct effect in terms of the involvement of people with disabilities (and particularly women) in local governance. Local authority management has become more participatory and collaborative. The appointment of a woman with a disability to such a position of responsibility can have a significant impact in terms of changing the social perceptions of disability and the role of
Rights in Action - 55 Case study II
Initiative for the inclusion of the concerns of people with disabilities in the Economic, Social and Cultural Development Programme of the Municipality of Bougouni
Location: Municipality of Bougouni, Region of Sikasso, Mali Reference to articles of the CRPD: 24, 25, 29. Stakeholders involved: Local Federation of DPOs (FELAPH), Department of Social Development and Economic Solidarity, city council of Bougouni, DPO of Bougouni, FELASCOM (Local Federation of Health Centres), Handicap International.
Description of the JJincrease the level of education of Zantiébougou, Faragaran Faradielé, practice and the people with disabilities; and Kelea). These agreements aimed JJincrease access to basic social services; to encourage the involvement of process involved DPOs in the development process, JJFacilitate professional integration Bougouni, which means “small hut» in and in the implementation, through the development of income- the Bambara language, is a municipality monitoring and evaluation of the generating activities; located 160 km from Bamako, Mali’s Economic, Social and Cultural JJ capital, and 210 km from Sikasso, the promote the participation of people Development Programme in administrative centre of the region. with disabilities in community life; the various municipalities. The The population of the municipality JJeducate and inform people about involvement of DPOs ensures of Bougouni is estimated at 45,890 disability; that people with disabilities are inhabitants according to the 1996 JJeducate all stakeholders at the participating in decision-making census. There are 2,624 people with municipality level so that they consider processes and can promote the disabilities according to a census disability as an across-the-board issue rights and needs of people with conducted by the Local Federation of in their work. disabilities onto the development DPOs (FELAPH) in 2008. After the study, the Local Federation agenda. The agreements were signed by the President of the Federation In June 2008, Handicap International, of DPOs approached the municipal of DPOs, the mayors of the various as part of its DECISIPH programme council of Bougouni to discuss the municipalities involved, and the (Rights, Equality, Citizenship, results and make proposals for action. local DPO heads. Solidarity, Inclusion of People with Following consultations between Disabilities), and in collaboration with the Federation, the municipality of Access to health FELAPH, conducted a participatory Bougouni, the Circle Council and local services local diagnosis of the situation of people services, concrete actions have been with disabilities in the municipality undertaken to promote the inclusion A multiparty agreement was signed by with a view to developing proposals to of disability issues in the Programmes the Chairman of the Circle Council, help solve their problems. for Economic and Cultural the president of the Local Federation of Community Health Associations The results of the diagnosis were Development of the municipality and (FELASCOM), the head of the Social analyzed and endorsed during a also to improve access to health and Development and Solidarity Economy workshop involving all stakeholders in vocational training. department in the prefecture, and the municipality. The main problems the President of the Federation of highlighted by the study were access to Inclusion of Disability in DPOs. This convention guarantees health, education (more than 90% of the Economic, Social and free consultations and hospitalization people with disabilities did not attend Cultural Development Programmes in all health centres of the prefecture school) and employment. to any person with a disability who is Partnership agreements were signed To overcome these problems, the a member of the federation. This could between FELAPH, DPOs and following actions have been proposed be improved – to ensure that non- the municipality of the Circle of by the actors involved in the diagnosis: members can also benefit from this. Bougouni (Bougouni, Koumantou,
56 - Rights in Action Access to vocational the local authorities and development Kanata Maïmouna training Mariko, 1st Deputy Mayor partners have helped raise awareness of of the municipality of An agreement was signed between the the rights of people with disabilities; Bougouni, said: private vocational school ESET and the JJfollowing the recommendations of the
Decision-making local federation of DPOs of Bougouni. study, several projects have been set up is the essential Renewable every year, this agreement for people with disabilities and funded basis of managing allows the bearing of 50% of the school by development partners (funding for a municipality and should fees by the institution, and the remaining a motorcycle ambulance, for a soap involve all segments factory...); of society, without any 50% by the individual with a disability. discrimination. JJthe free medical consultation obtained The factors that made via the agreement signed between this practice possible FELAPH and health authorities allows extensive medical care for people with The factors that made this possible were: disabilities; the existence of a federation and very JJsince the signing of the agreement dynamic and organized local DPOs; good between the vocational school ESET and relations between the federation and the the Federation of DPOs, six people with partners (technical services, municipal disabilities have accessed training courses. councils, circle councils, and INGOs); the constructive dialogue with the Related articles of the local council; and the financial support CRPD provided for the conducting of the study. This practice is in line with articles From the results of the diagnosis, the 25 (access to health), 24 (vocational Federation of DPOs has implemented training) and 29 (participation in public a strategy of awareness-raising and life and politics). advocacy on disability rights, and has submitted proposals to the council to An example of disability improve the situation of people with inclusion disabilities. This practice is an example of inclusion The effects of the because it involves all stakeholders in the development of the locality. It practice has enabled people with disabilities JJDisabled people’s organizations to participate in the decision-making are now involved in developing the process in the municipality and see their new Economic, Social and Cultural needs addressed by local stakeholders. Development Programmes in the circle of Bougouni thanks to the signing of For more information, contact: the partnership agreement between the Ousmane Diakité, local federation of DPOs and individual President of Local Federation of DPOs. municipalities; Tel.: 00223 76216727. JJthe updating of the Economic, Social and Cultural Development Programme (2005-2010) of the municipality of Bougouni allowed the incorporation of measures for people with disabilities, including: the completion of a project for the manufacture of wire netting and training in soap production and in dyeing; JJthe advocacy actions carried out by FELAPH and DPOs which targeted
Rights in Action - 57 Case study IIi Involvement of people with disabilities in the local development process in the circle of Banamba
Location: circle of Banamba, Region of Koulikoro, Mali Reference to articles of the CRPD: 28, 29 Stakeholders involved: city council of Banamba, Local Federation of DPOs (FELAPH), Department of Social Development and Economic Solidarity, NGO CAEB.
Description of the participatory development and JJexemption from the payment of practice and the capacity building. It was involved interest during the solidarity month. in several localities (Kayes, Ségou, process involved The people with disabilities involved Sikasso and Koulikoro) and in the project have received training The circle of Banamba is located in in different fields (education, on feasibility studies and business the Koulikoro region. It is composed community financing, health and management, financed by CAEB (an of nine municipalities and has a governance). NGO). These courses have enabled population of 182,411 inhabitants, The participatory local assessment, people with disabilities to analyze according to the 1996 census. conducted in 9 municipalities of the their economic plans in terms of the amount, rate and repayment In August 2005, the Local Federation circle, identified the main difficulties schedule of the credit requested. of DPOs (FELAPH) of Banamba, in faced by people living with disabilities collaboration with the Department of and made proposals for solutions. The amount of credit granted in Social Development and Economic The main issues that emerged from this first operation was 1,000,000 Solidarity, Banamba deputies and the the diagnosis were poverty (defined CFA francs, distributed among NGO CAEB (Advice and Support for as the lack of financial resources, but 20 members of FELAPH for Basic Education) conducted a survey also the lack of education), the lack undertaking small projects. The and diagnosis study to assess the of confidence, and discrimination. amount varied between and 25,000 number of people with disabilities At the meeting for the debriefing and and 50,000 CFA francs per recipient. and their situation in the circle. validation of the results of the study, The activities conducted were: small businesses, tailoring, catering, The census identified 1139 people people with disabilities identified livestock farming (cattle and sheep), with disabilities in the circle (about gaining financial independence as purchase of seeds for gardening etc. 6% of the total population of the their first priority. circle). The census costs have been A project for access to microcredit In September 2009, thanks to assumed by deputies of the locality. for people with disabilities was the dynamism of FELAPH in the circle, local organizations of people Following the census, an therefore designed and submitted to with disabilities were invited to organization was created in each of the financial institution SINSINSO participate in the preparation of the nine municipalities of the circle by FELAPH with the support the Economic, Social, and Cultural by FELAPH and the city council. of the CAEB and local elected Development Programmes in the A management committee has been representatives. various municipalities. Concrete established to ensure the smooth A Memorandum of Understanding actions were thereby incorporated functioning of these organizations was signed between FELAPH into the community plans, after and to ensure their representation at and SINSINSO; it contained the analyzing the difficulties faced by various municipality meetings. All following elements: persons with disabilities. of these organizations have joined JJFELAPH was the only channel of the local Federation of DPOs of communication with SINSINSO. Banamba. The factors that made Any person with a disability applying this practice possible Support in terms of institutional for a loan had to receive the prior and organizational strengthening has approval of FELAPH: JJThe dynamism and determination been provided by the NGO CAEB, JJthe cost for the savings account was of the local Federation of DPOs of who have extensive experience in set at 2,000 FCFA for all members; Banamba and the many awareness-
58 - Rights in Action This is the first time people have paid attention to our real problems! During the meetings, the Assembly listened to us and our proposals have been accepted by everyone... said the President of the local Federation of DPOs.
Another member of the Federation said: Now we will feel involved in decision-making and the management of the development activities of our community.
raising and advocacy actions carried out a novel partnership with the local with local stakeholders; federation of people with disabilities. JJthe openness and willingness of local Through this partnership SINSINSO has authorities to cooperate (MPs, advisers, seen a considerable increase in its number technical services); of clients; JJthe census and participatory local JJthe accountability of the members of diagnosis highlighted the number of management committees regarding the people with disabilities in the circle. This allocation and management of the funds. made stakeholders aware of the priority needs of this population; Some of the difficulties JJthe presence and the dynamism of encountered the NGO CAEB in developing the self- JJCommunication was difficult for some governance capacities of the communities; people with sensory disabilities. Translators JJthe support for the structuring of DPOs using sign language were arranged for the with the establishment of management meetings and specific training was provided bodies by CAEB has contributed to more to some members of the Federation of organized and effective actions by the DPOs; local DPOs; JJlack of training for people with JJthe willingness of the financial disabilities in the management of NGOs; institution SINSINSO to enter into JJthe difficulties for some people
Rights in Action - 59 with disabilities in travelling and This initiative has created a lot of people with disabilities to improve participating in meetings in the circle enthusiasm and motivation among the organization and structure of (some people often had to travel several people with disabilities. Improving their representative associations and kilometres without transport). These access to economic activities also led facilitated their representation in the problems have not yet been resolved; to more taxes being collected by the local bodies responsible for municipal JJinsufficient amount of the individual municipality. planning. credit granted. SINSINSO is now The process of developing and An example of disability considering increasing the amount for implementing the Economic, inclusion the second loan. Social and Cultural Development Programmes of the municipality in This practice has encouraged the The effects of the the Circle of Banamba became more inclusion of disability in the access to practice inclusive with the participation of micro-finance services. DPOs. The difficulties and concerns Due to the involvement of people with The local participatory diagnosis of people with disabilities have been disabilities, communal development and the identification of people with heard and taken into account by programmes have also become more disabilities has provided a foundation policy makers, particularly regarding inclusive and collaborative. for local inclusive action to take access to education, socio-economic
place. The creation and structuring inclusion, and medical care. of DPOs in the municipalities has For more information, contact: allowed people with disabilities to be “During these meetings we forgot about Fodé Sylla, better represented and to have their our disabilities and discussed like the President of Local Federation of DPO. Tel.: 00 223 79109997. voices heard at the local level. others” said the Secretary General of FELAPH. The partnership between the local Federation of DPOs and the micro- Related articles of the finance institution SINSINSOCRPD has promoted the development This practice is in line with Article of income-generating activities by 29 of the Convention; it is an people with disabilities. They have example of participation of people improved their management skills with disabilities in the governance through the training provided by of their locality. It has enabled CAEB.
60 - Rights in Action cASE STUDY iv Appointment of a focal point in charge of disability issues within the Advisory Educational Centre of the Municipality of San
Location: Municipality of San, circle of San, Region of Ségou, Mali Reference to articles of the CRPD: 24, 29 Stakeholders involved: local Federation of DPOs (FELAPH), Department of Social Development and Economic Solidarity (SDSES) of San, city council of San, Advisory Educational Centre (CAP) of San, Handicap International.
JJIdentify children with disabilities by age and type of impairment; JJhold advocacy meetings with school management committees and principals for a reduction of school fees for children with disabilities; JJinform and educate school officials and leaders of construction companies that build schools so that they take accessibility issues into account; JJdevelop and disseminate awareness-raising messages about disability on local radios; JJinform and educate community leaders about the educational rights of children with disabilities; the results of the diagnosis with Description of the JJ key local stakeholders, namely the produce radio programmes on the practice and the lives of children with disabilities in local government, elected municipal schools; process involved officials, representatives of technical JJorganize a conference on care for The municipality of San is located services (education, health, justice, children with disabilities; etc.), representatives of the Social in the fourth administrative region JJpromote the creation of associations of Mali, 200km from Ségou; the Development and Economic of parents of children with disabilities; administrative centre of the region Solidarity (SDES) department, NGOs JJmobilize resources to support has a population of about 63,000 and local district representatives. children with disabilities in mainstream inhabitants, according to the census During the workshop, priority schools (e.g. development of projects for submission to funding bodies). of 1996. intervention areas were identified In 2009, the local Federation of through a participatory approach. Advisory Educational Centre (a DPOs (FELAPH) and Handicap Improving the enrolment of children decentralized body of the Ministry of International, which has been with disabilities in municipal schools Education) issued a memo on July 3, active in the area since 2008 with turned out to be the No. 1 priority. 2009 on the appointment of a social the DECISPH project, conducted After this workshop, steps were development focal point in charge of a participatory local diagnosis to initiated before the start of the 2009 - disability. determine the difficulties faced by 2010 school year by FELAPH and the The appointment of this focal point people with disabilities in the locality SDES department, in collaboration has been widely appreciated by the and to propose solutions. with the educational authorities. SDES department and the local The study showed that people with A contact person responsible for the Federation of DPOs. They have disabilities faced many obstacles in education of people with disabilities since demonstrated their motivation enjoying their basic rights, particularly within the municipality was to be and willingness to support the focal in the fields of health, education, appointed. point in her mission to promote the schooling of children with disabilities. employment and family life. After several attempts and A workshop was organized to share negotiations, the Director of the An action plan for the 2009-2010
Rights in Action - 61 school year was developed and validated demonstrates that the concerns of people Fatoumata Diarra, social by the school authorities and the SDES with disabilities have been taken into development focal point department. The main activities of this account by policymakers at the local in charge of disability. plan, whose implementation started in level. October 2009, are presented below: The work of the focal point has led to over a dozen children with disabilities The factors that made attending mainstream school with this practice possible exemption from payment of registration fees. The identification of children The main factor that made this practice provided information on the number possible was the participatory local of children with disabilities in the diagnosis which identified the difficulties municipality and the type of impairment encountered by people with disabilities and they have, meaning that appropriate made proposals for concerted actions. educational solutions could be proposed. «During the feedback workshop, we were deeply moved by the difficulties experienced Related articles of the by children and adults with disabilities,» said CRPD the social development focal point at the This practice is in line with Article 24 Advisory Educational Centre. of the CRPD on the right to education. The constructive dialogue betweenThe local Federation of DPOs has stakeholders has been an important factor demonstrated that it can influence public throughout the process. The positive policy in education at local level through engagement of the school authorities in the advocacy. In this respect, the practice smooth running of this initiative was also reflects the principles of Article 29 of crucial. the Convention on the participation of people with disabilities in public life. Some of the difficulties An example of disability encountered inclusion No major difficulties were encountered This practice is an example of taking into in the carrying out of the local diagnosis account the needs of people with disabilities and the appointment of the focal point. by local decision makers. Solutions are sought However, there was a problem regarding to ensure that children with disabilities have a lack of funds and logistics for the access to the same educational services as implementation of actions to promote other children of the municipality. access to education for children with disabilities. The local government and the Possibilities for DPOs have actively searched for resources improvement or scaling up for this. This model of employing a disability focal point could be replicated in other municipalities of The effects of the Mali, and indeed throughout West Africa. practice But, there is a need to finance specific actions by the focal point person – and a budget for This practice has enabled the local this must be allocated. In this case, there was Federation of DPOs to initiate a public no specific budget allocation for actions on debate on the obstacles faced by people education. There is a need to identify lasting with disabilities in San in terms of financial resources for inclusive education. enjoying their fundamental rights. This has made it possible to inform and raise awareness among local stakeholders of For more information, contact: the issue of disability. The appointment Yacouba Diarra, of a focal point for disability in schools Head of Social Development Service. Tel 00 223 76145543.
62 - Rights in Action cASE STUDY v Involvement of people with disabilities in the framework of consultation, information and monitoring of the actions of the Prefecture of Tominian
Location: Circle of Tominian, Region of Ségou, Mali. Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: local Federation of DPOs (FELAPH), World Vision, prefecture and city council of Tominian, Department of Social Development and Economic Solidarity (SDES), Messiah College, support programme for rural municipalities (PACR)
Description of the local consultation framework for proposals supported by the project practice and the information-sharing and monitoring coordinators, oneinvolves a training the actions of the Prefecture of course in tailoring in six of the process involved Tominian and thereby to be able to municipalities and the allocation The circle of Tominian is located attendthe meetings. ofsewing machines to beneficiaries of in the Ségou region in the east of The President of the DPO Federation the training in order to facilitate their the country. It includes 12 rural requested this in a letter to the professional inclusion, while another municipalities, 313 villages and a Prefect of Tominian, in his capacity offers training in the processing of population of 183,185 inhabitants as chairman of the consultation leather via the Support Programme (data: World Vision). framework. for Rural Communities (SPRC) in the municipality of Gosso. In 2007, World Vision, Handicap This framework brings together International and the Messiah representatives of government, elected The factors that made College, in cooperation with the local municipal officials, civil society, and Federation of DPOs (FELAPH), development partners. Composed this practice possible conducted a study on the «Access of several committees (health, rural The initiative shown by the of people with disabilities to water, development, economics, water, Federation of DPOs in becoming hygiene and sanitation in the circle of education, social affairs), its mission a member of the consultation Tominian”. is to facilitate the planning and framework was a decisive factor. monitoring of development projects The study highlighted a lack of The strong involvement of people physical accessibility and a high degree in a participatory manner in the circle. The forum meets twice a year to with disabilities in carrying out the of dependency on their relatives for study on accessibility and in the people with disabilities and their conduct annual planning and to take stock of achievements. Intermediate setting up of sanitation facilities in families in terms of access to water, the circle was a decisive factor in hygiene and sanitation. or special sessions are organized to address unexpected situations. the local authorities approving their This research was carried out in participation in the consultation preparation for the installation of The request of the local Federation framework. a pilot site in the municipality of of DPOs was accepted and two people with disabilities were selected «People with disabilities have played Tominian, where innovative solutions an important role in the development have been developed by the Messiah to represent the Federation in the framework. and consolidation of certain localities College. in the prefecture; that’s why we can Since 2008, latrines have been built « The acceptance of consultation not ignore them in decision-making and pumps made available to people framework has been very important for at the local level» said the prefect of with disabilities in the municipality of us, because through the meetings, we are Tominian. Mandiakye. aware of the actions that are carried out in our community and how decisions After joining the framework, Given the importance of the study are taken. During one of these meetings, representatives of people with and the facilities built in 2008, two of our projects were accepted », said disabilities have been able to assert the Federation of DPOs has taken the President of FELAPH. their interests and propose concrete steps to become a member of a actions to the prefecture. Among the range of the Federation’s
Rights in Action - 63 Programme for Rural Communities; Some of the difficulties With this training, I will JJ encountered Commitment of local decision makers learn a trade that will allow to take into account the concerns of me to satisfy my needs and The low level of education of people people with disabilities in the design those of my family with disabilities in certain municipalities of the Economic, Social and Cultural represented an obstacle to their Development Programmes of the said a beneficiary of the participation in discussions at the meetings municipality in the circle of Tominian. training project supported organized by the framework. Indeed, the by the consultation use of French as a working language was Related articles of the framework. often a barrier for people with disabilities. CRPD To address this, the communication This practice is in line with Article 29 skills of people with disabilities should on the participation of persons with
be improved through adapted capacity disabilities in public life through their building activities and also the possibility involvement in governance and decision- of using local languages during the making in the prefecture. meetings should be considered. An example of disability The effects of the inclusion practice Issues and proposals from people with disabilities are discussed and addressed in a JJInforming and raising the awareness of forum that brings together all stakeholders of development stakeholders on disability the locality. Decisions on local development issues; are taken through an inclusive approach JJinforming people with disabilities of the activities that are carried out in the prefecture; For more information, contact: Adama Sidibe, Governor of Tominian. JJ involvement of people with disabilities Tel.: 00 223 21 37 50 10 in decisions concerning the locality; or 00 223 21 37 50 13 JJimplementation of training projects and income-generating activities for people with disabilities (tailoring, cooking, leather processing) in partnership with the NGO World Vision and the Support
64 - Rights in Action Good practices: NigeR
Case study I
Inclusion of proposals from DPOs in the budget of the Municipality of Niamey III
Location: Municipality of Niamey III, Niamey, Niger Reference to articles of the CRPD: article 29 Stakeholders involved: Municipal Council of Niamey III, Population and Social Reform Unit of the Municipality of Niamey III, DPOs
Description of the practice and the process involved The municipality of Niamey III is the most heavily populated of the 5 municipalities of the Urban Community of Niamey. It had 226,886 inhabitants in 2009. The Population and Social Reform Unit of the municipality is in charge of implementing the social policy of the municipality. This department is the main contact point with the DPOs; it records their needs and submits them to the local authorities. The authorities have decided to involve DPOs in the process of developing, implementing and monitoring the social policy of the municipality through the following consultation process: JJdisability groups prepare proposals for micro-projects and submit a written JJthe Population and Social Reform carried out on citizenship issues and the request for support to the Population and Unit and the recipients (DPOs) monitor functioning of the municipality organized Social Reform Unit of the municipality; and support the implementation of the by INGOs and DPOs; JJ the proposals of the DPOs are reviewed selected measures. JJfollowing the Act on municipal budgets, by the Population and Social Reform unit; a new section called «social fund» has been JJdiscussions are initiated between the The factors that made incorporated into the operational budget unit and DPOs to refine the proposals this practice possible of the municipality. Support for DPOs and identify actions that can be supported has been included in the «investment» JJ by the municipality; The desire of the Population and Social section of the social fund (by law, it should Reform Unit of the municipality of JJthe micro-projects are approved by the represent at least 45% of the municipal Niamey III and DPOs to work together unit, presented in the form of operational budget); to improve the living conditions of people data sheets and transmitted to the JJ with disabilities; the gathering of people with disabilities municipal council; into groups and unions (such as the Union JJgood knowledge of disability within the JJthe financial support for the proposals of Groupings of Women with Disabilities) services of the municipality of Niamey III the of DPOs is included in the budget has made them more visible and more due to the many awareness-raising sessions voted by the council; listened to at the local level.
Rights in Action - 65 Some of the difficulties Related articles of the CRPD We work with groups encountered of people with disabilities This experience is in line with Article 29 of the who write directly to the The limited financial resources meant CRPD on the participation of people with Mayor to submit applications the municipality of Niamey III had disabilities in political and public life. for group or individual limited capacity to support the projects support. Group support of the DPOs. The search for financial An example of disability (purchase of equipment and partners is a constant concern for the inclusion materials) is financed from authorities and DPOs. This practice shows the taking into account the «investment» section of of the needs and proposals of DPOs in the the municipal budget, while The effects of the development of policies and the allocation of individual support to people practice public resources at the municipal level. with disabilities is financed by the social fund. However, JJInstitution of a culture of dialogue and Possibilities for the limited resources inclusion of the needs of DPOs in the public improvement or scaling up available for our community policies of the municipality of Niamey III in The Niamey III municipality should include and the high demand from order to take into account these needs in the DPOs in the process of developing and updating disadvantaged people municipal budget; its Municipal Development Plan. This requires severely limit our ability to raising the awareness of the different stakeholders provide support JJdeveloping a sense of citizenship among (consultants, technical services...) about the people with disabilities who are proud to inclusion of people with disabilities in the public said the head of receive support from the municipality; policies of the municipality and the training of the Population and JJreduced economic exclusion of DPOs DPOs in project management. Social Reform Unit in the (they have great difficulties accessing micro- Municipality of Niamey III. finance institutions), which receive direct For more information, contact: grants to develop their income-generating Amadou Adamou, activities; Head of the Population and Social Reform Unit, Municipality of Niamey III. JJ better organization of DPOs by taking Tel.: 00 227 96 49 48 12 charge of some of their operating expenses.
66 - Rights in Action Case study II Participation of women with disabilities in public life in Municipalities III and V of Niamey
Location: Niamey, Niger Reference to articles of the CRPD: Articles 6 and 29 Stakeholders involved: Groups of women with disabilities (Union Kama Jiki) of the Municipality of Niamey III, National Federation of People with disabilities (FNPH), regional branch and municipal services of the Population and Public Reforms Unit of Municipalities III and V of Niamey, Department of Women Promotion and Child Protection of the Municipality of Niamey V.
Description of the previously successfully implemented Some of the difficulties practice and the micro-projects in partnership with the encountered municipal services of the Population process involved and Social Reforms Unit. Through Because of illiteracy, women with The Urban Community of Niamey is this collaboration and the visibility disabilities have encountered difficulties composed of five municipalities. they acquired, the Department for the in undertaking administrative Advancement of Women and Child procedures for the creation of groups. Municipality III is the most populated Protection has included the group in To overcome this obstacle, they resorted (226,886 inhabitants in 2009) and has the activities of Women’s Day in Niger, to external expertise that helped them comparatively more resources than the alongside other women’s organizations. fill out the necessary documentation. other municipalities. Municipality V is located on the right bank of the River The factors that made Besides this difficulty, women with Niger and is semi-rural. disabilities face a situation of high this practice possible social and economic vulnerability In Niger, women with disabilities are every day because of the discrimination JJThe existence of a legal framework very vulnerable. Indeed they often face they still face in terms of employment, for the creation of groups of women a double discrimination, as women education and social and political with disabilities as well as unions; and also as people with disabilities. participation. JJ To find solutions to their common the will of women with disabilities to problems, some women with improve their living conditions, which The effects of the has led them to unite and join women’s disabilities have organized into groups. practice These groups are community-based groups; organizations that have around 12 JJthe ability of women with JJThe Union of Women with members each. disabilities to analyze stakeholders in Disabilities has become a privileged Through these groups, they have the municipality of Niamey III and partner of the Municipality of developed strategies to enhance their understand that, without a union, Niamey III and participates in participation in the public life of the they would not have enough influence, meetings and decision-making; urban community of Niamey. because other stakeholders were also JJwomen with disabilities, by struggling to influence local policies; integrating women’s movements, JJIn Municipality III, the groups of JJthe success of the Ka Kanou women with disabilities observed that have been able to seize existing Sourou group in implementing they were not sufficiently considered opportunities for funding and income-generating micro-projects and listened to at the local level. So partnership in the Municipality of in partnership with the municipal four groups of women with disabilities Niamey III, especially microcredit Population and Social Reform Unit; came together to create the Jiki Kama programmes for women; JJ Union («Let us mobilize» in the local good cooperation and synergy JJwomen with disabilities that are language) in order to have a greater between the technical services of the members of the Union have had their impact on life in the municipality. municipality, including the Population capacity for action strengthened. and Social Reform Unit and the They acknowledge that they have JJIn Municipality V, the group of department for the Advancement of We have become women with disabilities «Sourou Kanou more power: « Women and Child Protection. important Ka» has decided to integrate with other ». women’s organizations. This group had
Rights in Action - 67 The creation of the Union, which has nearly 40 members, has been very beneficial for us women with disabilities. We are more visible and united in the municipality. Things are improving gradually and we have opened an account with a micro-finance institution in which we deposit the 1,000 Francs that the members of the Union contribute monthly. All the stakeholders present in the Municipality of Niamey III praise the creation of the Jiki Kama Union
said the President of the JIKI KAMA Union of groups of women with disabilities
Related articles of the Possibilities for CRPD improvement and points to watch This practice is in line with Article 6 on women with disabilities and Article JJAvoid internal conflicts related to the 29 on the participation of people with management of opportunities and power disabilities in political and public life. by ensuring quality internal governance of the union of groups of women with An example of disability disabilities; inclusion JJensure that the collaboration of women This process has enabled the Union of with disabilities with the women’s groups of women with disabilities of the movement goes beyond organizing the Municipality of Niamey III to become events for International Women’s Day. a key development stakeholder in the Women with disabilities should be fully public arena; previously, women with integrated into the struggle for equality disabilities were more in a situation of for the women of Niger in order to bring dependency. out the specific problems and demands The participation of the group related to their disabilities. of women with disabilities of the Municipality of Niamey V in the For more information, contact: activities of Women’s Day in Niger Mrs Aïssa Seyni, has enabled them to join the general President of the Union of Groups of Women movement for the promotion of with Disabilities of Municipality IV. Tel.: 00 227 90 34 09 46. women’s rights.
68 - Rights in Action Case study III Advocacy by DPOs for the waiving of the administrative fees related to the formation of groups in the 5 municipalities of Niamey
Location: 5 municipalities of Niamey, Niger Reference to articles of the CRPD: article 29 Stakeholders involved: Municipal services of the Population and Social Reform Unit, groups of persons with disabilities; traditional chiefs of people with disabilities
Description of the payment of administrative expenses have called upon the municipality for practice and the for the forming of groups. A ‘group’ exemption from these fees. is a community-based organization process involved This request was first accepted by that brings together 12 people around the municipality of Niamey III, According to the UNDP, 63% of Niger’s income-generating activities on the basis and then subsequently by the other population lives below the poverty line. of solidarity. municipalities. Several studies and field research have In Niger, the administrative costs for the Since the positive outcome of this shown that people with disabilities are the creation of a group amount to 15,000 collective advocacy led by people with poorest of the poor in the community. CFA (about 23 euros)- an amount which disabilities, more than forty groups Very aware of this situation, people with is beyond the reach of most people with have been created free of charge. People disabilities have organized advocacy disabilities. with disabilities are the only groups that actions in the municipalities of Niamey Faced with this difficulty, people with benefit from this exceptional measure. on the issue of exemption from the disabilities and their traditional chiefs
Rights in Action - 69 Related articles of the The factors that made Zunmuntchi is a group of CRPD this practice possible women with disabilities. This practice is related to Article 29 of All women members of the JJ The realization of people with the Convention on the participation group are married to men disabilities that they need to unite with disabilities. Most of of persons with disabilities in political these women lived in slums in order to stake their claims more and public life. on the outskirts of Niamey. effectively; In 2007, all the residents JJthe political will of local political An example of disability of these neighbourhoods authorities in the 5 municipalities; inclusion considered as "dangerous" by the authorities were JJsupport from municipal technical This practice has enabled people driven off. The majority of services; with disabilities who are members of the women with disabilities found refuge in the JJ groups to find their place alongside support from resource persons for industrial municipality of preparing the applications of the municipal authorities, NGOs and the capital, with all the groups. other development stakeholders in risks associated with living the fight against poverty. near chemical waste. Some of the difficulties The group has a multi- Points to watch and year plan to help its encountered scope for improvement members out of begging through the creation, Most people with disabilities not It is important to ensure the viability among other things, of a were aware of how the municipality and operational capability of the sewing workshop. Now functioned or what the procedures the group can submit newly formed groups. To this end, issues to the authorities were for obtaining the formal capacity building measures and and propose solutions organization of a group. technical support are needed. to improve the living To overcome these difficulties, people conditions of its members. The creation of unions of groups in The president of the group with disabilities appealed to resource each municipality could be promoted said: persons to prepare the applications to enable the development of a for the creation of the groups; they single channel of communication With the creation of this also approached traditional chiefs to between people with disabilities, local group, we are now treated obtain the necessary information. authorities and other development with respect. When I go to partners. Municipality IV, the head of The effects of the the social service department practice For more information, contact: receives me in person Habou Rahamou, because she knows I'm not This practice has given groups of Head of the Population and Social here in order to beg. Better people with disabilities a higher profile Reform Unit. still, I have her phone number at the municipal level. These groups Tel.: 00 227 96 96 33 87. and whenever we ask her to, have begun to use services in the she comes and listens to what municipality more than before, and we have to say. they also visit the Mayor. It has improved the access of people with disabilities to funding opportunities and partnerships with development stakeholders involved at the local level. It has also led to the introduction of other support measures by the municipalities, such as exemption from municipal taxes for artisans and merchants with disabilities, or the granting of public plots for the economic activities of the groups.
70 - Rights in Action Good practices: Senegal
Case study I
Integration of disability issues in the local development process through the Consultation Framework for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Department of Dagana
Location: Department of Dagana, Region of St. Louis, Senegal Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29; 24; 27 Stakeholders involved: the Partnership with Saint-Louis and its Region (PSLR); Federation of People with Disabilities of Dagana; Departmental Social Action Service; Departmental Inspectorate of Education (IDEN); municipal and rural councils of Dagana, Ronkh, Bokhol, Rosso, Richard Toll and Gaé; training centres in the Department of Dagana
Description of the meets twice a year, also has resource institutions. The members of the practice and the persons among its members and is open Consultative Framework then jointly to anyone interested in its mission. put in place the training process. process involved Following a participatory approach, IDEN facilitates contacts with the Dagana is one of the three the Framework identifies, intraining institution, The Partnership departments of the Region of Saint- consultation with DPOs, the and the local communities provide Louis in northern Senegal. In 2005, problems of people with disabilities the financial means, and social its population was estimated at and tries to find solutions. Each services and the Federation of People 207,991 people. member contributes, depending with Disabilities takes charge of the monitoring and mentoring. In 2002, the Departmental Consultation on their expertise and areas of Framework on the inclusion of people intervention. The Partnership also supports the with disabilities in the Department The Framework supports theprofessional integration of the trainee of Dagana was created to promote Federation of people with disabilities of through subsidies for the creation of the socio-economic integration or Dagana in the fields of rehabilitation, income-generating activities. reintegration of people with disabilities advocacy, education, vocational Individual promoters or groups also in the Department. training, employment and accessibility. receive funding for activities and It has been implemented by “The In the education sector, the technical support from the members Partnership11” in connection with the Consultative Framework has enabled of the Framework. Activities Federation of People with Disabilities the construction of ramps, sanitation such as the marketing of rice, the of Dagana and the Departmental facilities in schools and has provided rental of tarpaulins, chairs and Social Action Service, which plays the educational support to children with sound equipment, and the setting role of coordinator. disabilities. This has included raising up of small businesses have been subsidized. The majority of state and non-state the awareness of parents as to the stakeholders of the Department importance of registering the birth With the support of all the (Prefecture, Health Municipality, IDEN, of children with disabilities. stakeholders of the Consultative rural communities, training centres, The apprenticeship of youngFramework, advocacy tours focusing community-based organizations, etc.) people with disabilities who are on the rights of people with are members. The Framework, which beyond school age is encouraged disabilities are organized in the local by the Consultative Framework. communities. Each stakeholder It identifies young people with makes a financial or material 11 Partnership with Saint-Louis and its Region (PSLR) contribution. is a French development association that works in the disabilities, agrees with them a trade field of decentralized cooperation between the city of they would like to be trained in, Local authorities also support the Lille, the Northern Department and the Northern Region of the Straits of Dover on the one hand, and the city and then puts them in contact with activities of DPOs through periodic and region of Saint-Louis on the other hand. It is often referred to as “The Partnership”. public or private formal or informal grants.
Rights in Action - 71 The factors that made training, conduct income-generating activities, and participate in the I’m 18 and I have a this practice possible disability. Thanks to the development of the locality. Consultation Framework The fact that The Partnership had set as a Development stakeholders have started of Dagana, I am doing a priority actions to support the integration to recognize the need to make their training course in catering of people with disabilities, and the fact work more inclusive of people with at the Regional Technical that it had a sound knowledge of the disabilities. School for Girls (CRETEF). various local stakeholders, was crucial I have finished my first year to the success of this initiative. The Related articles of the and I was first in my class. strategy developed by The Partnership CRPD I’m entering my second was completely consistent with the The Consultation Framework of year. I have many friends in development programmes implemented the centre. At the end of my Dagana for the inclusion of people with by the government and especially by the training, I want to open a big, disabilities is fully in line with section Social Action service in the department. high-class restaurant where 29 of the Convention. It also highlights I will employ people with The Federation of People with Disabilities articles 24 and 27 on education and disabilities of Dagana was highly active and well employment. organized, enabling it to play the role A beneficiary of the of catalyst within the Consultation An example of disability vocational training Framework. inclusion programme. The geographical proximity of the The approach of the Consultation stakeholders and their integration Framework is inclusive in that all within the local community encouraged development stakeholders in the dialogue and consultation. department have joined forces to give more space to their fellow citizens Some of the difficulties with disabilities, and have started encountered to systematically take disability into account in all their actions. Time constraints on the various stakeholders and the difficulty of meeting For more information, contact: frequently has resulted in the Framework Ibrahima THIAM, holding two meetings per year. An action Head of Departmental Service of Social plan with an annual allocation of tasks is Action and Director of the Service of Social Promotion and Reintegration (CPRS) of developed each year. During the second Dagana. meeting of the year, members assess the Tel.: 00 221 33 963 11 83 actions of the framework for the period or 00 221 76 591 09 37 just elapsed and discuss prospects for the E-mail: [email protected]. coming period. The effects of the practice Through their participation in the Consultative Framework, people with disabilities have been directly involved in research and the implementation of actions to address their main needs and difficulties. Following the actions taken by the Consultative Framework, more children with disabilities have been enrolled in the schools of the department. Young people with disabilities have access to vocational
72 - Rights in Action Case study II Involvement of DPOs in the Network of CBOs of South Yeumbeul
Location: Municipality of South Yeumbeul, Department of Pikine, Region of Dakar, Senegal Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: Urban municipality of South Yeumbeul, Association Handicap SOS Réinsertion, Association of Blind Musicians of Senegal (AMAS), women’s groups, sporting and cultural associations.
Description of the city hall; the most accessible part was of a parents’ association, represents practice and the occupied by the DPO members of the the Network on the Local Committee network. for Education and Training. Under process involved In 2005, on the fringes of the network’s the annual programme of support for South Yeumbeul is an urban annual general meeting, these access to school supplies, all children municipality in the Department of committees organized awareness- of the municipality, disabled or not, Pikine, located in the suburbs of raising days on decentralization in are taken into account. Dakar. According to the 2002 census, the presence of the Minister for Local it has 80,439 inhabitants. Government and Decentralization. The factors that made Given the significant number of this practice possible community-based organizations JJThe willingness of the municipality (CBOs) active in the municipality to encourage synergy among its (75), the Mayor of South Yeumbeul social partners, promote dialogue, invited them to come together as a and provide spaces for civil society single entity to make their actions (headquarters of the Network); more effective and coordinated and JJthe motivation, dynamism, and to give the mayor a single point of mobilization capacity of the DPOs contact. whose work on the ground was very The CBOs therefore created the visible and known to the inhabitants Network of Community-Based of the municipality; Organizations of Yeumbeul South JJthe understanding among CBOs (ROCBYS). It is a network of and DPOs that unity is strength. organizations from all social and professional categories of Yeumbeul Some of the difficulties South, including 2 DPOs: Handicap SOS Réinsertion, and the Association The Network works in the fields encountered of micro-finance, education, and of Blind Musicians of Senegal CBOs in South Yeumbeul were training. Network representatives (AMAS). numerous and not easy to mobilize. are always invited to the meetings The process of creating the network The organizing committee of the first of the council and participate in the faced logistical and transportation general meeting of the network in 2004 decision-making process concerning problems. Distances were often was led by a person with a disability. local development strategies. For long and difficult in the suburbs. This placed DPOs at the heart of the example, in collaboration with the But thanks to the financial and movement from the outset. After the municipality, the Network has created material support of the municipal meeting, members of Handicap SOS the Savings and Credit Mutual council and the solidarity of the Réinsertion and AMAS were placed Association of South Yeumbeul stakeholders, the network was put at the head of organizing committees: (MECYS),the management of which into place in two phases: the first the women’s committee, and the is entrusted to the treasurer of the phase was the setting up of a small committee for communication and Network, a woman with a disability. external relations, respectively. committee of 12 organizations In the field of education, the president that developed a strategy to The headquarters of the Network of Handicap SOS Réinsertion and reach out to all the CBOs of the was installed in the premises of the director of the management committee municipality; in the second phase,
Rights in Action - 73 the Network was established with the Related articles of the support of local authorities. CRPD I am a member of Handicap SOS Réinsertion. The experience of the Network of I participated in the creation The effects of the Community-Based Organizations of of ROCBYS. I was involved practice South Yeumbeul has allowed a real in the financial and material participation of people with disabilities organization of the first Through the establishment of the in the governance of their communities, general meeting, and it was Network, people with disabilities in line with Article 29 of the Convention. a success. Today, I am a have access to very important elected local politician and adviser and appointed positions. Some of An example of disability to the Mayor on disability them have had some responsibilities inclusion issues. I must admit that of paramount importance for the ROCBYS has influenced The Network and the local authorities development of the area with the me a lot at the political take into account people with disabilities possibility of intervening in all spheres level. I have represented of the life of the municipality. in their work. They do not hesitate to use the network in almost all the expertise of DPOs and to give them meetings with the municipal The creation of a savings and credit positions of responsibility. mutual association with the help of council. That’s where I realized that I could become the Network has allowed women with For more information, contact: a local elected official. So I disabilities in the municipality to have Abdou Cogna DIOP, joined a political group that access to micro-finance and thereby Communication and external relations positioned me for election in officer of ROCBYS. strengthen their financial autonomy. my community. Thanks to my Tél.: 00 221 77 451 18 06, Through the annual educational E- mail: [email protected]. popularity with grassroots support programme, several children community organizations have received support. and DPOs, I am now part of the municipal team. I will work for everyone but I will always be mindful of people with disabilities who are my real foundation.
All the members of the network have benefited from capacity building initiatives developed locally with support from various partners. People with disabilities have systematically been invited to participate in training sessions organized by community organizations. Equally, when DPOs organize activities, they always involve the other members of the network.
74 - Rights in Action Case study III Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Local Development Consultation Framework of East Pikine
Location: Municipality of Pikine, Region of Dakar, Senegal Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: DPOs of East Pikine (AHPE), Local Development Consultation Framework of East Pikine (CLC/DPE), Union of Associations of East Pikine (COGAPE), urban municipality of East Pikine.
Description of the practice and the process involved The urban municipality of East Pikine is located in the Department of Pikine in the Dakar region. As part of a decentralized cooperation with the city of Antwerp, East Pikine has implemented since 1999 a local development programme based on civil society participation. Under this programme, the municipality of Pikine established in 2001 the Local Development Consultation Framework of East Pikine (CLC/DPE). This body was created to promote of East Pikine (COGAPE) was asked conditions for concerted and The factors that made by the Local Consultation Framework participatory development. It is this practice possible to identify the persons with disabilities composed of 10 local networks and in the municipality and to detail their The North-South partnership federations of the organizations of needs. This work has led to the creation (between East Pikine and Antwerp) East Pikine, such as the Association of a training centre for tailoring, has been crucial for the inlcusion of neighbourhood representatives, hairdressing and literacy run by the of people with disabilities in the Coordination of public schools, Association of People with Disabilities the programme. Indeed, the the Union of Women’s Groups, the of East Pikine. This training project management of the programme Coordination of Medical Stakeholders, was made possible through support requires not only the sharing of etc. from the Pikine - Antwerp cooperation responsibilities between the local The framework’s mission is to intervene programme that financed the rental of authorities and civil society, but in the fields of health, education, a building for the training and for the it also explicitly promotes the sanitation and environmental headquarters of the organization. involvement of all population management, culture and sport, and At the end of the project, the DPO groups, including women and to support local entrepreneurship and moved into the headquarters of the people with disabilities. income-generating activities. Local Consultation Framework, where The willingness of municipal During the setting up of the Local it continues its training activities. authorities and leaders of Consultation Framework, in compliance Collaboration with all the members of associations has also facilitated with the inclusion principles of the the Framework has enabled the DPO to the identification of the DPOs Decentralized Cooperation Programme, find other funding partners to strengthen working in the locality and a the City council has asked the DPOs of the training workshops and develop the process of taking into account Pikine to join the Framework. income-generating activities. their concerns. In 2004, the Collective of Associations
Rights in Action - 75 Our participation in operations and management through the responsibilities which have been entrusted to us demonstrates that we have our place in the Framework. We participate in decision- making and our concerns are taken into account. The Framework helps us to strengthen our capabilities: training in ICT, administrative and financial management, project development and management, strategic was appointed adviser to the Mayor on issues Some of the difficulties planning, institutional analysis relating to the promotion and protection of encountered and local development people with disabilities in the community. initiatives (financing education It was not easy to identify people with disabilities The 2010 local development plan of the projects, training, creation of and to document their expectations. People municipality envisages the granting of income-generating with disabilities often have many needs for land to the DPO for the construction of its activities). autonomy and not all of them can be satisfied headquarters and to make its activities more by the action of the Consultation Framework. sustainable. The President of the Partnerships with stakeholders at the local, Association of Persons national and international levels are crucial. Related articles of the CRPD with Disabilities of East Pikine, member of the The effects of the People with disabilities in Pikine are involved Board of Directors and in the local governance mechanisms of Treasurer of the Local practice their locality. Some participate directly Coordination Framework. in decision-making in the Consultation All the actions developed by the municipality Framework and at the municipality level. and the Local Consultation Framework take This practice is therefore an example of into account people with disabilities and their the implementation of Article 29 of the organizations. Convention. In addition to supporting initiatives for people with disabilities in the fields of vocational An example of disability training, literacy and income-generating inclusion activities, the Framework has also identified Due to the participation of DPOs in the the educational needs of children with Consultation Framework, the problems disabilities in the municipality. Five children of people with disabilities are taken into with severe disabilities have been placed in a account in local development activities. special school located outside the suburbs. The transportation and school supplies of these The municipal team uses the technical children have been supported by the Local expertise of a people with disabilities to Coordination Framework and its partners. make sure that the specific needs of people with disabilities are not overlooked. The President of AHPE was the treasurer of the Consultation Framework and sits on its For more information, contact: board of directors. This gives the DPO an Mame Mor FALL, important role in the decision-making process Tresurer of Consultation Framework of East and contributes to the change in attitude of Pikine, society vis-à-vis people with disabilities. Tel: 00 221 33 854 60 83 or 00 221 77 623 39 58, Through the partnership between the E-mail: [email protected] Framework and the municipality, the or [email protected] president of the Women’s Section of AHPE
76 - Rights in Action Case study IV Mechanisms for taking into account the needs of students with disabilities at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar
Location: City of Dakar, Senegal Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29; 24 Stakeholders involved: Board of Education, Department of Student Life in Relation to the City (DVERC), University Social Services (COUD) of the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Association of Students with Disabilities of UCAD (AEH/UCAD), Students’ Association.
Description of the has submitted a number of specific the University and follows them up. practice and the disability issues to the university The combined actions of AEH/ authorities which, if neglected, can process involved UCAD and DVERC have significantly adversely affect the success of students. improved the lives of people with The Cheikh Anta Diop University of These include access to infrastructure disabilities on campus. Dakar (UCAD) is one of the oldest and university exams, and financial The new facilities of the university universities in Africa. It has about and material support. (classrooms, toilets, bedrooms, etc.) 50,000 students of 44 different In 2003, the University created the have begun to integrate accessibility nationalities, including students with Department of Student Life in Relation concerns. Scholarships are awarded disabilities. to the City (DVERC) to ensure, among to all students with disabilities. They
UCAD is an autonomous community other things, the reception of students have priority for university residence. space for living and study. The and the development of the capacities They also have improved access to the academic community is composed of student organizations. technical and administrative services of of teachers, scholars, students and This department has a division in the university (collecting scholarships, technical and administrative staff. It is charge of students with disabilities. obtaining the student card, access to a sort of a local authority. This division is headed by a former medical services, to the restaurant, The Association of Students with disabled student of UCAD and etc.). The Board of Education and the Disabilities (AEH/UCAD) brings works for the better integration of the Social Service Centre of the University together people with disabilities needs of disabled students. DVERC provides support for the purchase of studying at the university. Founded in ensures the proper functioning of technical aids to facilitate mobility 1997, it has more than one hundred the Association of Students with and access to the campus and to members (including people with motor, Disabilities (general meetings, renewal its knowledge resources. Deserving visual and hearing impairments). of members, etc.) and supports its students with disabilities have access to Its main mission is to ensure the actions with government and other scholarships to go and study in foreign improvement of the living conditions stakeholders outside the University. It universities and are prepared for their and education of its members. It presents grievances to the Assembly of professional inclusion.
Rights in Action - 77 The factors that made The UCAD library is accessible to students with disabilities and is preparing to open The conditions at the this practice possible university are not always a Braille section. The new buildings built favourable for students with in 2000 are all accessible. Each year AEH/ The mobilization of students with disabilities. The work of the disabilities has been mainly driven by UCAD organizes, in conjunction with association and DVERC the university crisis in Senegal. Faced DVERC, open days aimed at the general solves some of our problems with the loss of social benefits and the public to raise awareness about issues of accessibility, housing and increasing number of students, they came relating to the social integration of people access to scholarships. These together in order to become a strong with disabilities. It also offers its expertise actions have a real impact on lobbying force. for free to DPOs present in the country. our conditions of study and on The foresights of the authorities, their Two years ago, in conjunction with our success awareness of disability issues and their teachers, researchers and students of the university, it initiated an annual forum as willingness to make the university said a student of English, accessible to all citizens have been decisive part of the International Cultural Festival member of AEH/UCAD. in the establishment of this practice. of People with Disabilities of Dakar (www.handifestival.com).
Some of the difficulties Related articles of the encountered CRPD The mobility of students with disabilities The actions of AEH/UCAD and those on the campus is not always easy. The of DVERC are related to articles 29 and campus is very large, larger than some 24 of the CRPD on the participation of of the municipalities. Students with persons with disabilities in public life and disabilities have made great efforts to on education. organize meetings and be heard. The solidarity between students with and An example of disability without disabilities as well as the close inclusion relations with teachers resulted in the By trying to make room for students with establishment of the association and its disabilities, the university opens itself smooth functioning. up to all categories of the population. The relatively short period of time It becomes an inclusive place that students take to complete their studies guarantees access to education for all. can lead to mismanagement in the Points to watch out for and operation of the association and its scope for improvement bodies. For this reason, DVERC has a section which is responsible for students The sustainability of the Association of with disabilities and which ensures that Students with Disabilities is crucial. One disability issues are taken into account at of the weaknesses of the association is all decision-making levels. that it is run by dynamic young people who leave when they start to acquire The effects of the leadership experience. The support and practice monitoring provided by the Disability Division of the Department of Student The number of students with disabilities Life in Relation to the City is therefore has increased significantly since 1997 fundamental. (the year of the establishment of the Association of Students with Disabilities). For more information, contact: In 1997, AEH/UCAD had only seven Amadou Moustapha DIOP, members; at its last meeting in 2008, it Director of DVERC had more than 100. Tel.: 00 221 33 869.27.66 The success rate of students with or 00 221 77 643 31 64, E- mail: [email protected]. disabilities stands out clearly.
78 - Rights in Action Case study V Participation of people with disabilities in the Consultation Framework of the Municipality of Oussouye
Location: Municipality of Oussouye, Region of Ziguinchor, Senegal Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29; 27 Stakeholders involved: Municipality of Oussouye, Departmental Social Development Service of Oussouye, Union of People with Disabilities of Oussouye.
Description of the the participation of all development the organization with a Spanish NGO practice and the stakeholders. with which a tripartite agreement (city council, NGO, DPO) has been signed process involved The Union of People with Disabilities of the municipality of Oussouye for the construction and equipment. The municipality of Oussouye is the was invited to join the Consultative Accessibility issues are addressed at administrative centre of the Department Framework; it is in charge of the the level of the town council during of Oussouye. According to the 2002 administrative secretariat of the income- the meetings of the Consultation census, it has 4,052 inhabitants. generating activities committee. Framework, and more generally at the It is located in Lower Casamance in The Consultation Framework has municipality level. the region of Ziguinchor, southern supported people with disabilities in Senegal, and is surrounded by thick several areas, including the creation of The factors that made forests of mango and kapok trees; most income-generating activities such as this practice possible of the forest is sacred and used by Diola basketry or small businesses (through The Mayor of Oussouye, who is animists. financial support and guidance) as well as gardening and livestock farming recognized as a human rights activist, In 2000, a Consultation Framework places great importance on the socio- involving the municipal council, CBOs, (through the provision of a site on the outskirts of the city). economic integration of people NGOs, decentralized services and other with disabilities. Before heading the partners was established by the Prefect To address the needs of people with municipal council, he was involved in of the Department of Oussouye. disabilities, the municipality has the organization and empowerment The aim of the Framework was allocated land to the DPO for the of mine victims in the municipality of to promote the socio-economic construction of an equipped multi- Oussouye and in the Ziguinchor region. development of the municipality with use headquarters. It has also linked
Rights in Action - 79 In this locality, tradition inspires a lot of the CRPD on the participation of people practices. One of these traditions prohibits with disabilities in public life. It also There are a dozen of us - all women - working the marginalization of people with disabilities relates to Article 27 on employment. in this basketry unit. We in social life. An example of disability produce hand-made bags, Disability INGOs have been present in this inclusion baskets, and mats. We use area for over a decade, providing services in willow leaves. We are waiting the fields of education, advocacy and training Through the creation of the Consultation for the construction of our to develop the capacities of people with Framework, the municipality ensures the headquarters to expand disabilities and improve their leadership. participation of people with disabilities and diversify our business. and their organizations. The problems Our biggest problem is the These factors have encouraged the inclusion faced by people with disabilities are marketing of our products of people with disabilities in all local treated in the same way as those of other because tourists are development projects. citizens. They are taken into account becoming increasingly rare in the region. The mayor and Handicap International are our key partners; they support us in several fields such as the design and implementation of microprojects, not to mention the training seminars.
Some of the difficulties in the planning of the activities of the encountered municipal council. Some aspects to be improved would Means of transport are limited in the include the promoting of the project municipality of Oussouye. People with and of the products research into market disabilities often live far from the town opportunities. centre, where the Consultation Framework is located, and this poses difficulties as regards For more information, contact: regular attendance. Maxime MANGA, DPO member of Oukout in Oussoye Department, The effects of the Tel.: 00 221 77 652 32 70. practice Through the Consultation Framework, people with disabilities in Oussouye can develop actions supported by the community and local authorities.
Related articles of the CRPD The experience of the Consultation Framework of the municipality of Oussouye is in line with Article 29 of
80 - Rights in Action Good practices: Sierra Leone
Case study I
The Election of a Disabled Councillor to the Makeni City Council
Location: Makeni, Northern Province, Sierra Leone Related articles of CRPD: 29. Stakeholders involved: National Electoral Commission (NEC), All Peoples’ Congress (APC) political party, Centre for Democracy & Human Rights (CDHR), Councillors - Makeni City Council, Polio Persons’ Development Association (PoPDA), Voice for the Blind (VFB), Sierra Leone Association of the Blind (SLAB), Bombali Amputees’ Association, National Leprosy Patients Association, Disability Awareness Action Group (DAAG), Youth Alliance for Peace & Development (YAPAD), British High Commission, UNHCR, ENCISS and Justice Sector Development Programme (JSDP)
Description of the practice and the process involved Local Government in Sierra Leone revolves around a system of 19 councils as follows: five (5) City Councils, namely Freetown City Council, Bo City Council, Makeni City Council, Koidu - New Sembehun City Council, Kenema City Council, one (1) Municipal Council in Bonthe and thirteen (13) District Councils, one in each of the 12 provincial districts and one in the Western Area Rural District. While the City Councils and the Bonthe Municipal Council have Mayors, District Councils have Chairpersons as heads. Voters in Sierra Leone went to the Mayor/Chairperson and the other 40,000 and is located about 145 Km polls on Saturday 5th July 2008 to elect Councillors. Each registered north-east of Freetown, the capital of for the Local Council elections. elector was given two ballot papers. Sierra Leone. Thesewere held on party lines, All votes cast in each election (i.e. using the ‘first past the post’ system. This case study describes how disabled mayor/chairpersons and councillors) Independent candidates were free people have successfully engaged in were aggregated across all the wards in not to use a political party symbol local politics in Makeni. the locality. The elections, monitored but instead select a symbol from the by observers, were peaceful and free. A disabled person, a 33-year-old man range presented by National Electoral with post-polio syndrome, is now Commission (NEC). Councillors, Makeni City Council is one of the 19 an elected Councillor for Makeni chairpersons and mayors of councils Local Councils established as result of City Council. He is a member of the are elected directly by universal adult the 2004 Local Council Act. Makeni Disability Awareness Action Group suffrage and majority vote. City being the provincial headquarters (DAAG) and the Public Relations of the Northern Province of Sierra Two elections were conducted Officer for the Polio Persons’ Leone has a population of about simultaneously, one to elect the Development Association (PoPDA).
Rights in Action - 81 He was the Youth Chairman for the youth, men ,women and community and needs of people with disabilities Makeni Union of Youth Groups for 2 leaders; of the ward; years (January 2006-December 2007). JJeffective campaign for a disabled JJthe disabled councillor is now a The election campaign of the disabled person to be awarded a political party member and chairman of the Makeni candidate started with his declaration of symbol and be voted for in the local City council sub-committee for games intention and application for a political council elections; and sports. People with disabilities are party symbol. Initially there were four JJrallies and voter education at now involved in decisions relating to people with disabilities applying for community level. the organization of games and sports; the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) party JJhis presence as a councillor has symbol for the local election (alongside Some of the difficulties influenced decisions at city council many other non-disabled candidates). encountered level for the provision of water and The candidate’s request for a party sanitation facilities for the markets of symbol was facilitated by DPOs in JJThe challenge from four other ward 89. Makeni (especially by DAAG) and in people with disabilities (and other Freetown (at the national level). The candidates) for the All Peoples’ Relation with the CRPD party conducted interviews with all the Congress (APC) Party symbol for ward This practice relates directly to article applicants and identified the person 89 in constituency 28. This difficulty 29 of the CRPD. This practice they considered the best qualified. was resolved by the APC party enabled a disabled candidate to The awarding of the political party administration. All applicants were successfully stand for local council symbol to the candidate by the APC assessed on their merits in terms of elections. was followed by election campaigns fulfilling the criteria set by the party. A for ward 89, in competition with three single candidate was selected as being Example of disability candidates from other political parties: the most suitable for ward 89; inclusion JJ the opposition Sierra Leone People’s limited financial resources, especially This practice has shown the inclusion Party (SLPP), the People’s Democratic for the electioneering process. This of people with disabilities in local Movement for Change (PMDC) and was resolved by using the resources politics, with a disabled man elected the National Democratic Alliance of the disabled candidate and his democratically to Makeni City (NDA). However, with personal close friends. He also received some Council and subsequently involved commitment and support from the modest financial support from the in decision-making concerning the DPOs, the APC Party conducted Centre for Democracy and Human provision of development services for successful election rallies and ultimately Rights (CDHR) and the APC party a population of about 40,000 people. won ward 89. administration; JJthe public perception that people How could it be The key factors that with disabilities are not capable of improved? made this practice governing and the challenge of winning This practice can be improved by possible the trust of the electorate, which had electing a disabled person to an even felt let down by the majority of previous higher leadership position such as a JJThe disabled candidate was a councillors. These challenges were Major of the Makeni City Council. registered and an active member of a overcome by the DPOs organizing effective voter education, rallies and popular political party in Makeni City; For more information, contact: JJsupport from people with disabilities campaigns for a disabled person to be Alex N. Sesay, belonging to DPOs, especially PoPDA elected. Member, Blind Association, C/O and DAAG; Tel: 00 232 030 206 447, The effects of the Makeni. JJadvocacy/awareness-raising campaigns organised by DPOs, practice especially DAAG, on the radio, basing JJPeople with disabilities living in themselves on the Local Governance Makeni City are now democratically Act of 2004; represented with direct involvement JJawareness-raising workshops on in decisions on issues raised at Makeni disability issues at community level City Council. A disabled councillor targeting various categories of people - can now directly voice the problems
82 - Rights in Action Case study II Representation of People with Disabilities on the Bombali District Council - Makeni
Location: Makeni, Northern Province, Sierra Leone Related articles of CRPD: 29, 24. Stakeholders involved: Polio Persons’ Development Association (PoPDA), Voice for the Blind (VFB), Sierra Leone Association of the Blind (SLAB), Bombali Amputees’ Association, Bombali District Council Committee, National Leprosy Patients Association, Disability Awareness Action Group (DAAG), Youth Alliance for Peace & Development (YAPAD).
Description of the full participation, for example, the legitimacy to represent the interests practice and the inclusion of women in the Local of all people with disabilities in the Council. However, there was no Bombali District. process involved distinct provision for the inclusion In September 2008, during one Context: Bombali District is one of of people with disabilities. When of the monthly council meetings, the four Districts that make up the the DPO leaders realized this, they the DPO representatives tabled the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. mobilized themselves and then problem of the shortage of drinking The district headquarter town of participated in various meetings, water at the Bombali School for the Bombali district is Makeni City with awareness-raising campaigns, Blind located at Panlap village. This
a population of about 40,000. Makeni issue was verbally presented at the is located about 145 Km north-east of advocacy and capacity-building council meeting. It was discussed and Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. workshops. These awareness- finally selected as a priority need to raising campaigns on disability were be met by the council. The council Practice: The following DPOs organized by local NGOs such as are active in Bombali District: then developed an inclusive action DAAG and VFB, with financial plan, mandating a team comprised of Sierra Leone Association of the support from YAPAD. Blind (SLAB), Voice for the Blind councillors, DPO representatives and (VFB), Polio Persons’ Development In 2008, as a result of this advocacy community members to conduct a Association (PoPDA), Bombali and awareness-raising in relation visit to the school and identify a site Amputees’ Association (BAA) and the to disability issues, the Bombali for the construction of a well. National Leprosy Patients Association District local council invited three The hand pump well became (NLPA). representatives of DPOs to be co- operational in November 2008. A team opted as members and to attend and of Korean technicians constructed The enactment of the 2004 Local participate in council meetings. The Council Act by the Sierra Leone house the well under the supervision of the three representatives were selected Bombali District councillors, village of parliament marked the beginning through democratic elections, of the process of decentralization community and the staff at the school conducted within their respective for the blind in Panlap. in the country. The Act had specific DPOs, to give them the mandate and provisions to promote inclusion and
Rights in Action - 83 The key factors that councillors in order to access the Example of inclusive made this practice building. Improvements could development certainly be made. possible This practice involved the inclusion of disabled people as co-opted members JJThe advocacy/awarenessraising efforts The effects of the of the Bombali District Council (the of the Bombali District DPOs (e.g. practice local authority that makes decisions SLAB, PoPDA) about the need for the for development services at local JJPeople with disabilities are now involved inclusion of people with disabilities in district level). local district council decision-making; in local decision-making processes and can influence local council to consider key JJthe action by the local council to Possibilities for disability issues; improvement or scaling initiate DPO involvement. This was JJ up? the direct result of sustained awareness- the local council now has disability raising activities; expertise: DPOs have specific knowledge This practice could be improved by about the rights and needs of local people JJthe capacity of the DPOs to allowing disabled representatives with disabilities and they can use this to to have voting rights at the council democratically elect competent inform local council action; representatives tothe council; meetings. JJgreater awareness created about the JJ Local council meeting rooms / buildings the cordial relationship between DPO existence of the Bombali School for the have to be accessible. representatives and the councillors. Blind which now admits blind children The advocacy and awareness-raising from outside the district; Possibility to scale up this practice – activities contributed to this. Bombali district council and DPOs JJvisually impaired school children have can share this success with other local access to drinking water, thanks to the Some of the difficulties councils/authorities. encountered intervention of the local council. Relation with the CRPD The present building that houses the For more information, contact: Bombali District Council meetings This practice relates to article 29 of the Matthew Tholley, Member, Polio Victims Association, is not accessible. For example, there CRPD concerning the participation Tel.: 00 232 033 223 796. is no ramp; the steps are very high of people with disabilities in political and without railings. and public life and article 24 concerning the right to education. During meetings, the DPO representatives are assisted by the
84 - Rights in Action Case study III Representation of People with Disabilities on the Southern Region Gender and Child Protection Committee - Bo City
Location: Bo, Southern Province, Sierra Leone. Related articles of CRPD: 29. Stakeholders involved: Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA); Bo City Council (BCC), Bo District Council (BDC), Disabled Rights Movement - Sierra Leone (DRIM-SL); Paul School for the Blind – Bo; Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports (MEYS); Ministry of Health; Child Protection Agencies (World Vision, Jonathan Child Care; HANCI Cause Canada), Handicap International.
Description of the However, the current process of structure to help fulfil the current practice and the decentralization has occasioned responsibility of the Ministry. Key a slight change in this mission objectives include: process involved statement. The ministry’s role shall JJensure the rights of children in Bo city lies in the south of Sierra now be focused on coordinating, accordance with the government’s Leone, about 260 Km from monitoring, evaluating, current policies based on the Freetown, the capital city. It is the formulating and developing United Nations Convention on the district headquarters of Bo District policies; it will also help new local Rights of the Child (CRC) and the and the second largest city in Sierra councils to fulfil their role in the African Charter on the Rights and Leone with a population of about delivery of services to vulnerable Welfare of the Child (ACRWC); groups. 80,000. JJmonitor and coordinate the activities The main DPO operational in The regional gender and child of all voluntary/community-based Bo city is the Disabled Rights protection committee was organizations and non-governmental Movement (DRIM) founded in established as a coordination organizations in this sector in order to 1998. There is also a branch of Sierra Leone Association for the Blind (SLAB). The traditional mission of Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA) is to ensure the provision of social services at community level to socially marginalized or disadvantaged groups (particularly children, whether living with their families or in the street), those affected by conflict, women, the elderly and people with disabilities, as groups, individuals or family units, who require these services. In this regard, the Ministry strives to promote and advocate the needs and rights of all these groups, mainly in the area of resource mobilization and allocation (without gender discrimination) and to identify policies and law reforms that enhance the work of the Ministry.
Rights in Action - 85 provide effective welfare services to the The key factors that moral and constitutional obligations population. made this practice to people with disabilities; JJ The committee comprises possible the DPO representative on the representatives from child committee has positively influenced protection NGOs (World Vision, JJAdvocacy/awareness-raising decisions/recommendations made HANCI…), the Ministries of Social campaigns by DPOs, especially for the provision of basic social Affairs (MSWGCA), of Education, DRIM-SL, on the radio as well and economic welfare services to Youth & Sports (MEYS)and of as workshops on the rights and vulnerable persons, including people Health (MOH), DPOs (DRIM- participation of people with with disabilities, by government, SL), local councils (Bo City disabilities in social life; donor NGOs and local government Council & Bo District Council), JJwillingness of the Ministry of councils. Youth & Women’s Organizations. Social Affairs to have people with Relation with the CRPD The representation of people with disabilities represented by a DPO disabilities in this committee on the committee; This practice relates directly to article 29 of the CRPD. This practice started in 1998 when the Disabled JJregular representation/attendance enabled people with disabilities to Rights Movement - Sierra Leone at the monthly committee meetings participate in public affairs through (DRIM-SL) was established. The held at the Ministry in Bo city. Executive Director of DRIM- their representation in the committee. SL represents people with The main difficulties Example of disability disabilities on this committee. encountered This representation has helped inclusion tremendously to raise the profile JJThe committee members knew This practice involved the inclusion of people with disabilities within nothing about the situation of of a DPO representative in a public Bo City. The DPO representative people with disabilities. This forum that influences decisions/ has provided technical advice and problem was resolved by preparing recommendations for the provision recommendations on disability awareness-raising materials on of development support services to issues and has also submitted disability issues and sharing vulnerable people, especially children, requests to the Ministry of Social them amongst members of the women and people with disabilities. Welfare, Gender & Children’s committee; Affairs, to local councils and other JJ lack of funds for DRIM-SL For more information, contact: humanitarian organizations that to disseminate information to Vandy Konneh, have the required capacity and members. Support for this was Chairman, DRIMS, resources to meet the needs of solicited from other NGO partners; E-mail: [email protected], Tél: 00 232 076 641 368, people with disabilities. JJ the environment and the Bo. The gender and child protection committee meeting rooms are not committee carried out a survey accessible. No solution has yet been on the needs of people with found to this problem. disabilities. The survey led to an inclusive action plan that provided The effects of the development support to people practice with disabilities, which included: JJ JJprofessional training (sewing, The DPO (DRIM-SL) metal-working, workshops on representative on the committee repairing electronic devices) for makes observations and provides disabled street beggars, with the technical advice on disability issues support of the NGO Cause Canada; to forum members. Participation in this committee has helped to JJrefurbishment (2003) and highlight the problems and needs of perimeter fencing (2005) for the vulnerable groups, including people Paul School for the Blind, with with disabilities; funding and support from the JJ Ministry of Education and Bo City representation has increased Council. government awareness of their
86 - Rights in Action Case Study IV The Inclusion of a Disabled People's Organization Representative on the Moyamba District Council Social Welfare Sub-Committee
Location: Moyamba Town, Southern Province, Sierra Leone Related articles of CRPD: 29, Stakeholders involved: Moyamba District Council, Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA) Moyamba; Disabled Rights Movement - Sierra Leone (DRIM-SL), Ministry of Education (MEYS), Moyamba, Moyamba District Children Awareness Radio (Radio MoDCAR)
Description of the of the social welfare sub-committee practice and the of the council. process involved In July 2009, the social welfare sub-committee, drawing on the Moyamba Town, with a population DPO’s expertise on disability issues, of about 23,000, is the district undertook a survey of vulnerable headquarter town for the Moyamba non-school going disabled children district, Southern Sierra Leone. in Moyamba town. Several children The current Government with different impairments decentralization process in Sierra were identified. The committee Leone makes provisions for district recommended these children to local councils to ensure the provision the Moyamba district council for of services to socially marginalized educational support. The Moyamba and disadvantaged groups, including district council accepted the work people with disabilities. and recommendations of the social welfare sub-committee and provided In order to carry out this mandate, scholarship support for the education the Moyamba district council has of the children in specialized and established various working sub- mainstream schools. committees including education and social welfare sub-committees. The key factors that The main DPO operational in made this practice Moyamba Town and the district generally is the Disabled Rights possible Movement, Sierra Leone (DRIM- JJConsistent approach by DPO SL) founded in 1998. leaders in presenting disability issues In October 2008, as a result of to key managers, community leaders DRIM-SL-led awareness-raising and local authorities in Moyamba and advocacy activities targeting district; community leaders and councillors JJadvocacy and awareness-raising within the Moyamba district campaigns organized by DRIM-SL council, the Coordinator of DRIM- Moyamba on MoDCAR radio on SL, Moyamba district branch, was the theme “wi sef get voice” (we co-opted to represent people with have a voice too); disabilities on the district council JJorganizing community-based social welfare sub-committee. As awareness-raising meetings focusing a representative of people with on disability issues, including the disabilities, this person has provided rights and involvement of people insights and expertise on disability with disabilities in the life of the issues that has since guided the work community;
Rights in Action - 87 JJvery positive and supportive to ensure mobility for people with working relationships with the disabilities. district council administration, councillors, Plan Sierra Leone and Relation with the CRPD the Ministry of Education, Youth This practice relates directly to and Sports. article 29 of the CRPD. This practice enabled people with The main difficulties disabilities to participate in public encountered affairs.
JJThe DPO representative on the Example of disability social welfare sub-committee is not inclusion an elected member. He does not This practice has demonstrated the sit in directly on the main council inclusion of a DPO representative meetings. However, he has lobbied on a local governance committee other elected members (who are (the social welfare sub-committee) on the sub-committee) to present that is an integral part of decision- disability recommendations during making structures and processes the main district council meetings; for the provision of development JJ the venue for the sub-committee support services to vulnerable meetings is usually the Ministry of people, including children, women Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries and people with disabilities. conference hall in Moyamba. This building is a long way from the How could it be improved? DRIM-SL Moyamba branch office This practice can be improved by having and therefore poses transport and DPO representatives sit in directly on accessibility challenges to the the district council meetings. Also, DPO representative, who travels to sub-committee members with vehicles the venue by hiring public motor could be encouraged to ensure disabled bikes. representatives attend meetings. Effects of the practice For more information, contact: JJ Usually, disability issues do not Sylvanus Fannah, receive the respect they deserve. Coordinator DRIM, C/O However, the representation of 00 232 076 641 368, people with disabilities on the Moyamba. committee has increased members’ awareness and led to the inclusion of disability as a mainstream theme in the Moyamba district council development plan; JJthe disabled people’s representative has also played a pivotal lobbying role, influencing decisions relating to the provision of basic social welfare services by local government councils to people with disabilities. For example, the refurbishment of the Moyamba Hospital took accessibility issues into account. The hospital entrance doors have been widened and ramps have been constructed at strategic points
88 - Rights in Action Good practices: Togo case study I
Advocacy of People with Disabilities for their inclusion in the Civil Society Platform and for the accessibility of public buildings in the municipality of Dapaong
Location: Municipality of Dapaong, Savannah Region, northern Togo Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: Organization of Committed People with Disabilities of Tone (APHMOTO), Support Programme for Civil Society Organizations (PAOSC), Federation of Development Organizations of the Savannah Region (FODES), Regional Planning and Social Action Departments, Prefecture and City Council of Dapaong, German Development Service (DED)
Description of the practice and the process involved The city of Dapaong is located in the Savannah region, in northern Togo, about 650km from the capital Lomé. It has about 34,000 inhabitants. The region is among the poorest areas of the country, according to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. Living conditions are very difficult, especially for people with disabilities. The Organization of Committed People with Disabilities of Tone (APHMOTO), which has 142 members with disabilities, is very active in the community. This organization is involved in raising awareness and mobilizing disability organizations. Following the identification of 705 children with disabilities, it has initiated an inclusive education project in collaboration with an INGO. Advocacy regions of Togo, including Dapaong, the sessions were organized by FODES actions have also been undertaken to administrative centre of the Savannah for associations and NGOs, including include a specific line for DPOs in the Region. The Federation of Development both members and non-members of municipal budget. Organizations of the Savannah Region the Federation. APHMOTO was not a (FODES) was mandated to steer the member of FODES but was invited to In 2005, the Support Programme for programme in the Savannah region, take part, alongside other organizations. Civil Society Organizations (PAOSC) where two main activities were planned: A few months later, during the was created. This programme, supported the construction of the Civil Society by the European Union, aims to support preparatory phase of the installation of House, and the creation of the Regional the Regional Civil Society Platform, all civil society organizations in Togo, Civil Society Platform. including DPOs. This programme the DPO was sidelined. The DPO was expected to be implemented in all At the start of the programme, briefing engaged in lobbying and peaceful
Rights in Action - 89 and dynamic on the platform and has implemented many activities on the ground. Among these actions, an inventory of inaccessible public buildings was carried out. Following this analysis, accessibility adaptations for eleven public buildings were prioritized. An advocacy plan was then developed in order to convince local authorities, including the Municipality Council, to take measures against this discriminatory situation. After a series of meetings, the municipal authorities acknowledged the facts and agreed to undertake remedial measures. But two major difficulties were mentioned: the disfigurement of the original architecture of the buildings and the lack of financial resources to undertake the work. To solve the financial problem, APHMOTO worked out and submitted an accessibility project to the German Development Service (DED) for funding; DED recognized its relevance and agreed to fund it. With this agreement, the association appealed again to the Municipality Council for the authorization to conduct the work, which was given in a decision taken some time later. This process took three months. In protests against what was considered to APHMOTO challenged this approach, addition to the authorization, the City be a discriminatory decision, targeting saying that people with disabilities had Council delegated an officer to notify the local Department of Social Action, very specific needs that other categories and inform the companies and offices resulting in the unconditional inclusion of the platform would not necessarily concerned by the accessibility project. of APHMOTO within the Platform. have the competence to identify and After several months of tough report. The main difficulties negotiations, the agreement to participate After lengthy discussions, and following encountered in the Platform was obtained. Following the lobbying done by APHMOTO with this success, an invitation was sent to other groups, the meeting finally decided There was a difficulty in considering APHMOTO to take part in the drafting to increase the number of categories to a DPO as a fully-fledged civil society of the charter to define the method of seven, the seventh being ‘Vulnerable organization; this was a major functioning and action of the Platform. Groups’. The aim of this group was to obstacle in the process towards During the drafting of the charter, six bring together NGOs involved in the inclusion in the Regional Platform. categories were selected by the Platform fight against AIDS, providing assistance This reluctance on the part of other for action, namely women, corporate to child prisoners, widows and, of course, stakeholders was overcome through groups, NGOs, unions, religious/ to people with disabilities. continuous awareness-raising and spiritual organizations, and traditional A month later, the founding general advocacy conducted by members of chiefs. assembly of the Platform was held and the association. People with disabilities were once again APHMOTO was mandated to be the Regarding the accessibility part of the excluded, under the pretext that they organization for the Vulnerable Groups project, some services were in favour were already included in the section of component. Since then, this group while others were totally opposed. In religious groups and traditional chiefs. has been one of the most effective the face of this opposition, the DPO
90 - Rights in Action renewed its lobbying of the relevant people with disabilities. Here in Dapaong and in the local authorties, particularly the relevant region, we are striving to Members of the DPO and the community ministries. The project was finally carried promote the rights of people of Dapaong, including the elderly, have out and eleven services in the locality were with disabilities. For us, improved access to public buildings. becoming part of the Civil made more accessible by the construction Since then, several other services have Society Platform and heading of 17 ramps. The total cost of the action adapted their construction plans in the the «Vulnerable Groups» was 980,000FCFA - less than 1,500 interests of accessibility, including the section was an opportunity euros. Regional Hospital of Dapaong, and Civil to prove to non-disabled Society House. people that disability does The factors that made Other accessibility projects have been not deprive people of their this practice possible developed by APHMOTO and are faculties or their capacity to act, react and interact socially. The dynamism of the DPO, the awaiting funding. We will soon set in motion a knowledge of their rights and of the local This intervention has raised the profile strategy so that, at the next context were crucial in the carrying out of APHMOTO, which now has General Assembly of the of this practice. The sustained lobbying increased respect and legitimacy when platform, we can win the chair actions undertaken by the DPO working with local authorities. In turn, of the platform... and soon no effectively influenced the decisions of local local authorities have more knowledge one will ever say again that stakeholders. The financial and technical about disability and regularly invite the people with disabilities are support of the German Development APHMOTO to public meetings. useless Service was fundamental for the process of making public buildings accessible. Related articles of the APHMOTO Programmes CRPD Director The effects of the The struggle of this DPO to be integrated practice into the Civil Society Platform in the Region is related to Article 29 of the The integration and effective participation CRPD on the participation of persons of APHMOTO in the platform has with disabilities in public life and politics. directly influenced the local environment. The advocacy for accessibility is directly The Vulnerable Groups section, as a related to Article 9 of the Convention on result of APHMOTO’s leadership, has accessibility. now acquired a profile in the community. A directory of DPOs and NGOs working An example of disability on the issues of disability and HIV/ inclusion AIDS and assisting other vulnerable Participating in the Civil Society Platform groups has been established. In addition, has enabled this DPO to integrate APHMOTO has compiled texts of laws itself into the network of development relating to the protection of vulnerable stakeholders and to ensure that the groups (texts on the protection of specific needs of people disabilities are children, people living with AIDS, taken into account prisoners, people with disabilities), which was officially submitted to the authorities For more information, contact: of the five prefectures of the Savannah Mr Damobe TCHIRKTEMA, Region. APHMOTO Director E-mail: [email protected] APHMOTO’s presence in the Platform Tel.: 00 228 770 84 87 has meant that disability issues are better or 00 228 920 65 29 understood, and indeed disability is commonly the leading thematic issue addressed by the Vulnerable Groups section. APHMOTO eventually aims to preside over the Platform in order to demonstrate the leadership capacity of
Rights in Action - 91 Case study II Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the Village Development Committee of the village of Mission-Tové
Location: Village of Mission-Tové, Prefecture of Zio, southern Togo Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: Head of the Village of Mission-Tové, Village Development Committee (CVD), Regional Social Action Department, Togolese Federation of DPOs, Association of Parents and Friends of People with Encephalopathy (APAPE), Handicap International
with disabilities of Mission-Tové. This meeting marked the beginning of the intervention of different stakeholders specialized in the field of disability in the Village of Mission-Tové. In 2003, an awareness campaign conducted in Mission-Tové by APAPE found that disability rights were violated at all levels and generally not acknowledged by local communities. An extensive awareness-raising and capacity building programme was developed and implemented by the Mawuko Group until 2007. In 2008, on the proposal of APAPE, a participatory local assessment of the situation of persons with disabilities in Mission-Tové was conducted by an INGO in cooperation with the local group of people with disabilities. This diagnosis aimed to identify the main problems experienced by people with disabilities and the priority areas for action to address them. The diagnosis, finalized in November 2008, led to the development of a three-year inclusive Village Action Plan. Description of the In this village, people with disabilities practice and the are often discriminated against and In order to promote people with marginalized. Sometimes they were disabilities in the locality, the board of process involved considered as «voduns» or «Tohossou» the Village Development Committee (CVD) was renewed and made more Mission-Tové is a village of the and, therefore concealed by their inclusive through a vote. Of the nine Prefecture of Zio, located about 30km families. members of the board, two people northwest of Lomé. With a population In 2001 in Lomé, during the Games of with disabilities were elected as Vice- of about 15,000 residents, the village the Future for People with Disabilities President and Secretary General. There has six communities and is headed by in Francophone Africa (JAPHAF), the was a strong presence of people with a village chief, a traditional authority Director of the Association of Parents and disabilities on the Health, Education, who manages all local affairs. The chief Friends of People with Encephalopathy Welfare, Environment, Culture, and is assisted in his mission by a Village (APAPE), an organization of people Solidarity committees. Development Committee (CVD). with disabilities in the Prefecture of Zio, met with the Mawuko Group of people
92 - Rights in Action The factors that made knowledge and greater awareness Before, in this of disability issues: «We had never locality, people with this practice possible considered this before because of our disabilities were really lack of expertise on the needs of persons suffering. We were This practice was made possible with disabilities». excluded from everything thanks to the intervention of APAPE, that happened in the particularly its awareness-raising Related articles of the village and even our own activities between 2003 and 2007. The CRPD parents mistreated us local diagnosis, carried out with the because of our situation participation of all stakeholders in the The inclusion of persons with disabilities and their inability to take area, led to the design of an inclusive in the Village Development Committee is care of us. Personally, I action plan. Open and positive related to Article 29 of the CRPD on the struggled in vain to make dialogue with local authorities made participation of persons with disabilities it at school, because of clear the need for the participation of in public life and politics. the lack of consideration people with disabilities in the affairs for me despite my of the village. The determination of An example of disability intellectual capacity... people with disabilities themselves inclusion But since the intervention to prove their capacity to contribute This practice is an example of taking of APAPE and Handicap to community development certainly into account the needs of people with International in our accelerated the process. community and our disabilities in local planning. This resulted in the development and implementation integration into the CVD, Some of the difficulties the living conditions of of a three-year Inclusive Action Plan. people with disabilities encountered have changed. Now we For more information, contact: The main difficulties were the initial can move freely and M. AZIAYE Améfete, reluctance of the Village Head and with dignity in the village President of the Village Development streets without being the indifference of the population. Committee of Mission-Tové, Tel: 00 228 920 84 06. ashamed. We participate Awareness-raising carried out by the fully in the community APAPE and the Togolese Federation work organized in the of DPOs (FETAPH) helped overcome village and we positively these difficulties. influence decision- making in the Village The effects of the Development Committee practice and other bodies... People with disabilities were directly The Secretary involved in developing the new Action General of the Village Plan of the Village Development Development Committee Committee of Mission-Tové. Their of Mission Tové role was to ensure that the plan was inclusive. A concrete result of the new Action Plan was the improved accessibility of primary schools in Mission-Tové. In 2009, ramps and accessible toilets were built. This had a significant impact on children with disabilities and the whole community. The Village Development Committee envisages, among other things, the physical accessibility of all the schools by 2011. Members of the Village Development Committee say the have more
Rights in Action - 93 Case study III Participation of People with Disabilities in the Prefectural Council of Mandouri and creation of a specific budget line
Location: Prefecture of Mandouri, Savannah Region, North East of Togo Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29 Stakeholders involved: DPO of Kpendjal (ASPHAK), Prefectural Council, Togolese Federation of DPOs, Handicap International.
Description of the practice and the process involved Mandouri is the administrative centre of the Prefecture of Kpendjal, located in the Savannah region in the North East of Togo. This city, which has about 11,000 inhabitants, is one of the poorest and most isolated communities of Togo. People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. To contribute to improving their living conditions, the association ASPHAK was created in 2004. As a result of the advocacy undertaken initiated between authorities and specific budget line for people with by ASPHAK, the population of disability activists, which enabled disabilities. As a result, a minimum Mandouri has become increasingly ASPHAK to be acknowledged as a allocation of 150,000 CFA was aware of the rights of persons key local stakeholder. granted. Since then, the Prefectural with disabilities. For example, this These links between ASPHAK and Council has allocated a budget for advocacy has supported parents the authorities of the Prefecture, people with disabilities every year. of children with disabilities in initiated in 2006, created a climate It was 150,000 CFA in 2007, rising considering the schooling and of trust and enabled the DPO to 300,000 CFA in 2009. social integration of their children. to make regular reports on its This amount may seem In 2004, the President of ASPHAK, activities to the local authorities insignificant when compared who is a tax collector at the (which was not a common to the scale of the needs to be Prefecture, drew the attention of practice at the time). This led to addressed. However, according to local authorities, and particularly improved understanding by the ASPHAK, the willingness of the of the Prefectural Council, to the authorities of the socio-economic local authority to include a DPO situation of people with disabilities difficulties facing local people with in the discussions and decisions of in the locality. An advocacy strategy disabilities. Building on this trust, the Board and to make an annual was developed with the support of the Prefectural Council began grant demonstrates a significant other DPOs in the region, such as to provide financial support to shift, and a new commitment the Organization of Committed ASPHAK in order to address some to promoting inclusive local Persons with Disabilities of Tone of the most pressing needs. governance and the rights of people (APHMOTO), based in Dapaong. In 2007, the Prefecture of Mandouri with disabilities. This practice is These advocacy activities were sent an invitation to ASPHAK considered very innovative in Togo, aimed at supporting local authorities to attend the budget session of where local government rarely has a in more effectively addressing the the council. At this meeting, the specific budget line for people with needs of people with disabilities. DPO called for the inclusion of a disabilities. After this process, dialogue was
94 - Rights in Action The factors that made been submitted to funding partners. Thanks to the money that These have all received funding. the authorities have given this practice possible us, we were able to buy The grants were also used to finance the necessary equipment Many of the advocacy actions some of the income-generating to cultivate our fields with undertaken by the DPO and their activities initiated by DPOs (mills, farm animal-drawn ploughs. allies in the Prefectural Council helped machinery) and to cover part of the Our group has also set prepare the ground and influence operating expenses of the organization. government decisions; the awareness- up a mill that generates The many awareness-raising actions at raising meetings on disability issues a little money for us, the local level helped improve the way enabling us to avoid conducted with the support of the community perceives people with begging and to meet our the Togolese Federation of DPOs disabilities, who are now regularly daily needs... We could (FETAPH) and Handicap International invited to political and social events. create a micro-business were also decisive. The visits of if the local authorities give FETAPH and Handicap International Related articles of the us more support to the local authorities facilitated the CRPD positive reception and the legitimacy of Secretary of ASPHAK the work done by ASPHAK. This practice is an example of the application of Article 29 of the CRPD in The regular reports of ASPHAK showed the sense that it promotes the involvement transparency in the management of people with disabilities in public life, of the resources allocated, and this notably through their participation in strengthened the trust of the local the sessions of the Prefectural Council. authorities. Another decisive factor was that the Main points that require President of ASPHAK was also a attention financial adviser to the prefecture. His Planning, prioritizing needs, transparency personal influence and his close links and the rigorous management of the with the authorities have played a funds granted to DPOs must precede the significant role. promotion of such practices. Some of the difficulties For more information, contact: encountered M. Emmanuel TCHIANKA, Initially, there was reluctance on the President of ASPHAK, Tel: 00 228 998 23 85 part of some members of the Prefectural or 00 228 974 00 17. Council to accept the principle of a budget line for people with disabilities. These difficulties were overcome by the arguments developed in the advocacy actions of the DPO with the authorities, which helped reach a consensus. The effects of the practice To date, this practice is well established and is now part of the budget of the Prefectural Council. According to the President of the Prefectural Council, the budget will increase in the coming years. The grants received were used to pay for the design of micro-projects that have
Rights in Action - 95 Case study IV Advocacy for the Inclusion of Hearing Impaired Students in Mainstream Secondary Education
Location: Municipality of Lomé, Togo Reference to articles of the CRPD: 29, 24 Stakeholders involved: Togolese Association for Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Children (ATAIDEMES), Parents’ Association, Ministry of Education, Department of Education of Lomé-Golfe, Handicap International
Description of the and Hearing-Impaired Children designed to negotiate the inclusion of practice and the undertook advocacy activities aimed students with hearing impairments at the Togolese education authorities. in secondary schools. process involved The aim was to create the conditions Ultimately, three secondary schools People with hearing impairments for the inclusion of hearing-impaired in Lomé agreed in principle and are often victims of discrimination children in mainstream colleges and decided to embark on the inclusion and exclusion, particularly in terms high schools. project. The three schools in question of education. In Togo, there are few The process began with raising the had no skills in terms of the education education opportunities for deaf or awareness of stakeholders involved of hearing-impaired children. The hearing impaired children – whether in the education of deaf children, DPO therefore contacted a specialist in specialized or mainstream schools. namely parents, teachers, colleges to conduct specific training for the Those that exist are only at primary and high schools, authorities in teachers. school level – there is nothing at charge of education and networks of Following this awareness-raising the level of secondary or higher disability organizations. campaign, a coalition of stakeholders education. Awareness-raising tours aimed at the was established to conduct lobbying In an attempt to address this situation, heads of secondary schools in Lomé of school authorities and define a the Togolese Association for Deaf got underway. These tours were strategy for action.
96 - Rights in Action My inclusion in this school was initially very difficult. I felt like I did not belong here. But over time and with the help of The coalition consisted of the following The effects of the the Director and my teachers, stakeholders: ATAIDEMES, the network practice who are very caring, I am now of parents of hearing-impaired children, integrated and I like going to the three principals of the schools Parents of children with disabilities are school. I am determined to go that joined the inclusion project, the now increasingly aware of the possibility very far in my studies if I can Inspector of Education of the Maritime that their hearing-impaired children always have the support I get Region, and the teachers involved in the can go to secondary school. As a result, here.. training in sign language. they are increasingly committed to the Now that the primary stakeholders had concept of inclusive education. At school Bertin, a hearing- the children are included effectively and impaired student agreed to the basic principle, the next step was to obtain the approval of the their fellow students have also taken steps Ministry of Primary and Secondary to learn sign language. Education for the inclusion of people ATAIDEMES is now known for its with disabilities in secondary education. expertise in the educational support of After long negotiations, the Ministry gave hearing-impaired children. its approval and permission was granted Stakeholders at the local and national to the teachers of the three institutions levels are more aware of the issue of to be trained in sign language. inclusive education for hearing impaired For the training, Handicap International children provided technical support and Related articles of the CRPD monitored the process. This practice of including children with To institutionalize this initiative and disabilities in mainstream secondary encourage its sustainability, a coalition of schools shows the participation of people members lobbied the relevant authorities with disabilities in public life (Article 29) to integrate sign language into the as the DPO conducted, in collaboration training modules of the Teacher Training with other stakeholders, advocacy in Colleges. relation to local authorities on the right to education. This fundamental right for The factors that made people with disabilities is stated in Article this practice possible 24 of the Convention. The ready and effective involvement An example of disability of school officials and teachers was inclusion instrumental in achieving this result. The fact of adapting the mainstream The creation of the coalition of stakeholders education system to take into account the for the advocacy and the dynamism of specific needs of people with disabilities is ATAIDEMES were also fundamental. a concrete example of disability inclusion.
Some of the difficulties For more information, contact: encountered Mrs Amivi KOMLAN, President of ATAIDEMES, The process was long and complex. The Tel: 00 228 234 92 80. major difficulty was the lack of financial resources to organize the training sessions for teachers. This problem was solved through the mobilization of the DPO in the search for funding.
Rights in Action - 97 Part V. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPING OR IMPROVING LOCAL INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
LOCAL DECISION-MAKERS
Develop knowledge (through formal or informal mapping) about existing local consultation mechanisms To develop or improve local inclusive governance it is necessary to first identify existing consultation mechanisms and understand how they work. They are known under different names, for example: working groups, development committees, forums and platforms, municipality council meetings, local authority meetings, sectoral technical commissions etc. They typically involve different types of local stakeholders working to promote dialogue and exchange opinions in relation to different development issues. Local decision-makers can find information about existing consultation mechanisms and their functioning (responsibilities, mechanisms for sharing information and decision making) through meetings and interviews with: local authorities, local associations (including DPOs), community-based organizations, decentralized services, NGOs, the private sector, etc.
98 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 99 Promote a participatory local JJWhat are the main services/government actions diagnosis of the situation of requested by people with disabilities? JJ people with disabilities Who are the main stakeholders working on disability issues or with knowledge of disability issues in the To ensure governance responds directly to the needs and community (DPOs, NGOs, public institutions, the interests of the whole community, local decision-makers private sector, etc.)? can conduct a local diagnosis. This should be done by JJWhat types of services are currently in place to meet creating a steering committee and working group with the needs of people with disabilities? DPOs, NGOs and local service providers. Through JJWhat are the major environmental barriers for people various meetings and interviews (particularly with with disabilities in the different sectors (health, education, local people with disabilities), the aim is to identify the employment; etc.)? following key information: JJWhat are the possible strategies to address these JJwhat are the main difficulties faced by people with barriers? disabilities? Having completed this diagnosis, all the results and
100 - Rights in Action information must be shared with the different local all meetings, reports and media have accessible formats stakeholders. The process of involving representatives of (use of sign language, Braille, etc.). all local stakeholders (DPOs, local authorities, service Any action on accessibility must ensure that people providers) in the planning, implementation and analysis with disabilities have physical access not only to enter of the results of the participatory local diagnosis will meeting/consultation venues, but also to play an active promote a common understanding of the situation role inside meetings. of persons with disabilities in the country. This multi- stakeholder approach can also initiate inter-agency Invite DPOs to play an active dialogue on disability issues and mobilize stakeholders role inside local consultation for action according to their respective responsibilities. mechanisms Improve accessibility to the With the objective of ensuring DPOs are represented physical environment, information in consultation mechanisms, local decision-makers are materials and communications encouraged to undertake the following activities: JJcontact the local federation of DPOs to organize a Access to both the physical environment and to public meeting; information is an essential prerequisite for ensuring the full involvement of people with disabilities in local JJpresent to DPOs the purpose of the consultation governance. mechanisms and call upon them to identify the most appropriate persons to join these mechanisms; Local decision-makers should take measures to improve JJ the accessibility of: for selecting candidates, encourage representation of people with different kinds of impairments (physical, JJ public buildings and meeting rooms used for visual, hearing or intellectual impairments or mental consultation mechanisms; health issues) and also women with disabilities; JJ information materials and communication strategies JJtake the necessary accessibility measures to allow the used by consultation mechanisms, for example to ensure full participation of the persons selected.
Rights in Action - 101 Ensure people with disabilities can freely express their interests and needs inside meetings for consultation and decision-making Local decision-makers should: JJensure that DPO representatives inside the consultation mechanism have regular opportunities to formally propose key issues for action; JJensure DPO representatives are actively participating and contributing during all meetings. Develop specific indicators for the participation of DPOs in the consultation mechanisms To measure the level of participation of people with disabilities in the decision-making process, specific indicators should be adopted, such as: JJthe number of meetings in which DPOs were actively involved; JJthe number of representatives of DPOs in consultation and monitoring mechanisms and particularly those occupying high-ranking positions in the various departments of local governance; JJthe number of decisions directly influenced by the presence and speeches of representatives of DPOs. Encourage a participatory approach in the local development process Local decision-makers should encourage the use of participatory methods and tools to ensure the full participation and involvement of all citizens in the local development process (including decisions relating to the management of public resources). This process must include consultation with people with disabilities, but also other marginalized groups (for example women and girls). This participatory approach can be applied to: JJmunicipality development plans; JJlocal appraisal and assessments activities; JJmunicipality budgeting (called “participatory budgeting”); JJmanagement of local services; JJmonitoring the implementation of the actions planned; JJassessing the achievements.
102 - Rights in Action Support DPOs’ activities (particularly Encourage participation of people networking between DPOs) with disabilities in politics To encourage the participation of marginalized groups in People with disabilities are citizens like all other citizens. local governance, decision-makers should take measures It is therefore extremely important to ensure they can to develop the capacities of representative associations fully participate in local politics and be empowered to and promote their participation in a proactive way. select their own political representation. Local decision- The suggestions below relate specifically to supporting makers should take measures to: Disabled People’s Organizations. JJencourage DPOs to became political candidates for local Examples of activities: elections; JJsimplify the procedures and reduce the costs for the JJensure that all elections or voting at local level are accessible creation of groups and associations of people with to people with different impairments (by asking DPOs and disabilities; specialized NGOs for specific advice in this area); JJfacilitate access to public meeting rooms and equipment JJconduct advocacy and awareness-raising on the issue of (computers, internet, audiovisual equipment etc); birth certificates for people with disabilities (most people with JJpromote the inclusion of people with disabilities/ disabilities do not have these and therefore cannot vote); DPOs as beneficiaries of training/reinforcement projects JJcarry out awareness-raising on citizenship and the implemented by international and local development importance of voting. partners; JJencourage collaboration and networking between DPOs – for example by providing meeting rooms, internet facilities and other resources for work and access to information.
Rights in Action - 103 104 - Rights in Action motor, intellectual, etc). This applies to umbrella organizations and DPOs which are not impairment- specific. Improve representation of women with disabilities and people with different types of impairments If DPOs are to represent people with disabilities in local consultation mechanisms this should mean they are in a position to represent the needs and interests of ALL people with disabilities. With this in mind: JJDPOs should try to include women with disabilities within their organizations; JJDPOs should try to include people with physical, visual, hearing or intellectual impairments or mental health issues; JJDPOs should carry out research into the local needs and interests of women and girls with disabilities and people with different types of impairments. Create or reinforce collaborative DPO networks or federations and possible alliances between DPOs and organizations representing DISABLED PEOPLE'S other marginalized social ORGANIZATIONS groups If DPOs share their expertise and work together, they will increase the impact of their lobbying at local Ensure good internal governance level. DPOs should be aware of certain basic principles Different names are given to this – for example, of good governance within their own structures, so DPO federations, unions or networks. The key aim that they are transparent, accountable and trusted is to develop a common approach and joint advocacy by their members and partners. In particular, DPOs actions. Federations of DPOs have a responsibility to should pay particular attention the following points: share information and support member organizations. JJensure that regular general assembly meetings take If DPOs can form a strong united voice this will place; provide one point of reference on disability issues, which, in turn, will greatly enhance dialogue with JJrespect their own statutes and internal regulations; local authorities. JJhold regular democratic elections to select DPO decision-making and management bodies DPOs should also develop exchanges and (president, treasurer etc.); collaborations with organizations representing other marginalized groups (human rights organizations, JJensure transparency in terms of financial women’s organizations, etc.). These efforts to open management and planning; up to associations that do not specialize in disability JJ ensure good communication and information should make it possible to share practices, information flow to keep all their members updated; and contacts, as well as to identify synergies at the JJensure representation of all types of impairment local level, especially in the field of advocacy. in their membership/management (visual, hearing,
Rights in Action - 105 Promote an Effective information- sharing between DPOs at different levels DPOs at different levels (local, national, regional levels) should set up mechanisms to share good practices, ideas for advocacy, contacts, tools and training. This will enhance capacities for influencing local inclusive governance. Examples of activities: JJinformal meetings or formal seminars for exchanges between local, national or regional DPOs; JJjoint field visits by DPOs within the same country or by federations from different countries; JJregular field missions by national federations to improve their knowledge of disability issues and stakeholders at local level; JJproduction and dissemination of communications materials featuring news on DPOs (newsletters, articles on the web, brochures, directories, capitalization reports, etc.). Conduct awareness-raising activities about disability rights, mainstreaming and inclusive development This is a priority activity for all DPOs as it creates the necessary conditions for effective advocacy on local inclusive governance. Examples of activities: JJraise awareness of legislation and policies on disability rights, at local, national and international levels, making use of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; JJraise awareness of the social model of disability; JJcapitalize and disseminate successful experiences of the social, economic and political participation of people with disabilities, in particular examples of mainstream organizations and services having adopted an inclusive approach; JJhighlight the importance of accessibility in relation to the physical environment and communication/information (including accessibility of public buildings, meeting rooms, communication and sign language support, etc.). These awareness-raising activities should target local and national authorities, service providers, development partners, civil society organizations, local communities and traditional leaders.
106 - Rights in Action With the goal of inclusive development in mind, DPOs a role in decision-making about local policies and can try to develop awareness-raising actions jointly with services. The ideal situation is to have inclusive other non-specialized organizations. consultation spaces in relation to all key social development issues (health, education, employment, Carry out joint advocacy with etc.). the objective of being included in In both cases it is important for DPOs to observe consultation mechanisms the following: JJdemocratic selection of their representatives in the DPOs should identify existing consultation consultation mechanisms. This means a fair vote mechanisms (mapping). This can be any place or to choose the candidate who has the most relevant forum where decisions and discussions about local knowledge and experience of the subject addressed policies and services take place, for example: by the consultation mechanism; JJworking groups, technical committees on health, JJensure selected representatives have the skills and education, public services, forums and platforms of ability to do this work. This means the capacity to civil society, etc.; speak in public, to follow debates and discussions JJwomen’s rights movements; on a variety of topics, to promote and defend the JJchildren’s rights movements; needs and interests of local people with disabilities and to propose concrete suggestions for action. JJother networks of associations who have come together to work in a specific area or on a specific Lobby local decision-makers and theme. NGOs about the importance of After carrying out this kind of analysis, there are two possible strategies for DPOs: local diagnosis of the situation of JJin areas where consultation spaces already exist, people with disabilities DPOs can lobby to be included in meetings and The objective of a local diagnosis is to identify the main committees in order to play an effective role in barriers faced by people with disabilities. As part of a local representing the interests and needs of people with diagnosis DPOs can propose concrete recommendations disabilities. The ideal situation is for DPOs to be as to how to address these barriers. Decision-makers can formally represented in all local consultation spaces; then use these recommendations to formulate inclusive JJwhere such spaces do not exist, DPOs can lobby policies and services. for inclusive consultation mechanisms where people A local diagnosis should be implemented by a steering with disabilities and other marginalized groups have committee. This should include DPOs, NGOs,
Rights in Action - 107 other civil society groups, services providers and local Promote the right to political authorities. A local diagnosis should use a participatory participation of people with methodology. DPOs should be supported in playing a key role in the following activities: disabilities JJidentifying the main stakeholders who are involved DPOs play an important role in promoting the political or should be involved in disability issues (people with participation of people with disabilities. disabilities, DPOs, government departments, the private DPOs should educate people with disabilities on sector, local government, services providers, etc.); citizenship and encourage their participation in national JJconsulting these stakeholders about their needs, and local elections. In West Africa and other regions of interests and activities (through meetings, focus groups the world, this can also require advocacy on the issue of and interviews); birth certificates. JJ setting up technical working groups which bring DPOs should work together to support disabled leaders together the available expertise relating to the major in standing as candidates in elections and becoming areas of concern for people with disabilities (health, official representatives in national and local government. education, employment, accessibility, etc.); assessing the DPOs should lobby on the issue of voting accessibility, major barriers in the social environment that contribute for example physical access to polling stations, Braille to disability; ballot cards, etc. JJstudying various possible activities to address these major barriers; JJpublishing a summary of the diagnosis, describing for each key topic the major needs and key recommendations; JJdisseminating extensively the results of the diagnosis among local stakeholders.
108 - Rights in Action DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS Promote consultation between local decision-makers, DPOs and (NGOs, Development other civil society organizations, Agencies, Donors, etc.). with an emphasis on developing a common understanding of Develop the capacities of DPOs in issues relating to good local terms of the key skills required to governance participate actively and effectively Examples of activities to be implemented: in local consultation mechanisms JJgenerate interest among local decision-makers Development partners, especially NGOs, should undertake in disability issues (for example through meetings, initiatives to build the capacities of DPOs to play an active workshops, etc.); role in local development, with the skills and resources to JJraise awareness of the social model and rights-based effectively voice their rights and needs to decision-makers. approach to disability, with reference to the International The following activities should be considered: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; JJprovision of training, capacity building and technical JJincrease local authorities’ understanding of the support to DPOs to address: importance of good local governance and their role and JJpromotion of literacy; responsibilities in relation to this issue; JJ JJstructure and management of DPOs and DPO support the establishment of new, inclusive networks/federations (administrative and financial consultation mechanisms and help to identify possible management skills, democratic practices, consideration roles, functions, and objectives of the different of gender issues and representation of people with stakeholders; different types of impairment); JJfacilitate effective discussions during local consultation JJtechnical support (project management, meetings. this can include drafting agendas, note-taking communication strategies, institutional mapping, and minutes, support for decision-makingand conflict advocacy ); management. Support DPOs and local authorities so that they can continue with this independently; JJtraining in leadership and public speaking; JJencourage DPOs to collaborate with other civil society JJ training in rights (with reference to the international organizations representing marginalized groups (for convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) example women’s groups) in order to identify synergies and citizenship; for action strategies. JJtraining in decentralization, local governance, planning tools and management of municipal Support local decision-makers in participatory budgeting; defining and using indicators to JJtraining in the key development strategies of the measure participation of DPOs in government and relevant donors (for example PRSP, sectoral plans, country assistance papers, UNDP, World consultation mechanisms Bank, EU strategic policy papers, etc.). It is important for local decision-makers to measure and demonstrate how DPOs have actively participated in Support DPOs in lobbying for their decision-making. Indicators could include: inclusion in local consultation JJthe number of meetings in which DPOs have been mechanisms actively involved; Examples of activities to be implemented: JJthe number of representatives of DPOs in consultation and monitoring mechanisms, particularly those occupying JJmap existing local consultation mechanisms and review high-ranking positions in the various departments of participation of people with disabilities; local governance; JJtechnical and financial support to develop advocacy JJthe number of decisions directly influenced by the plans and materials; presence and speeches of representatives of DPOs. JJmonitoring and evaluation of DPO advocacy initiatives.
Rights in Action - 109 Promote networking and Support local decision-makers collaboration between DPOs and and DPOs with the participatory with organizations representing local diagnosis of the situation of other marginalized groups people with disabilities Development partners should encourage DPOs A local diagnosis showing the main barriers faced by people to work together to find a common vision and with disabilities face and making recommendations on strategy on local development issues. how to improve the situation should be developed jointly Examples of activities to be implemented: by civil society and local authorities. The focus of the JJsupport to set up a forum, network or federation diagnosis is to collect information on disability, mobilize of DPOs; local stakeholders on the issue, and initiate collective JJtechnical and financial support to develop a action by multiple stakeholders. joint DPO advocacy plan; NGOs are often in a position to provide organizational JJpromote information flow and exchanges and methodological assistance for carrying out such between local, national and international DPOs activities. DPOs and local decision-makers should be by: supported at the following stages: JJsupport the organization of meetings between JJ select the most participatory methodology for the national federations of disabled people and local diagnosis; associations; JJ establish a steering committee to bring together local JJsupport exchanges between federations of DPOs decision-makers and relevant civil society organizations; from different countries in the sub- region; JJ set up technical working groups with experts for key JJsupport the participation of DPOs in international topic areas (health, education, employment, accessibility, events; etc.); JJsupport for the identification, dissemination and JJ create survey tools and train survey teams; sharing of good practices among DPOs. JJ publication of a summary of the diagnosis, describing for The networking of DPOs is crucial for the each subject the major needs and key recommendations; development of a common position. It is achieved JJextensive sharing of the results of the diagnosis with by building or strengthening the links between local stakeholders. DPOs, advocacy organizations, and organizations representing other marginalized groups (human
110 - Rights in Action Ensure the integration of specific indicators on the participation of people with disabilities in the consultation and monitoring mechanisms of development projects and projects to support decentralization Development partners should adopt a policy to ensure the routine inclusion of DPOs in the consultation and monitoring frameworks of any development project which plans, finances, implements and monitors actions at the local level. Specific indicators could be developed, such as: JJthe number of meetings in which DPOs were actively involved; JJthe number of representatives of DPOs in consultation and monitoring mechanisms and particularly those rights organizations, women organizations, etc. that face occupying high-ranking positions in the various similar challenges. Mediation should be the preferred departments of local governance; method for establishing dialogue, introducing new JJthe number of decisions directly influenced by the practices, building up relations among stakeholders presence and speeches of representatives of DPOs. and promoting exchanges in a constructive and non- confrontational way. Undertake actions to increase the awareness and knowledge of your own senior staff of disability issues If a development organization is committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion it must also address the rights and needs of people with disabilities. People with disabilities comprise 10% of the global population and are commonly the poorest and most excluded in society (DFID, 2000). Development partners should encourage actions to increase the awareness of the senior management of NGOs and other development agencies of disability issues. This should promote greater recognition and respect for people with disabilities and a collective understanding of the importance of disability as an across-the-board issue in terms of development activities. This process of awareness-raising can be part of a wider organizational diagnosis to identify how disability issues can be mainstreamed within the organization’s strategies. Development partners can call on the expertise of disability NGOs and DPOs to support this process.
Rights in Action - 111 CONCLUDING REMARKS
This report has presented clear examples of inclusive local governance in West Africa. The case studies demonstrate a range of different ways that people with disabilities can effectively participate in local government committees, civil society networks, thematic platforms and other local consultation and decision-making mechanisms. These examples serve to demonstrate how inclusive development cannot be achieved unless the rights, needs and interests of people with disabilities are fully taken into account. We think it is possible to build on this good practice. Each case study in chapter IV identifies factors for success and possibilities for replication and ‘scaling up’. Indeed, the recommendations presented in chapter V are not only relevant for West Africa, but can be applied to other contexts; local inclusive governance is a key issue for all developing countries. It is our aim that different types of organizations and stakeholders actively use this report and carefully consider how the recommendations can be integrated into their work. As part of the regional DECISIPH project, Handicap International and other partners will use the recommendations to develop training courses, seminars and awareness-raising activities. These will support different stakeholders in effectively addressing the issue of participation in public and political life for people with disabilities.
If you are interested in knowing more about this initiative, please contact: [email protected]
If you would like to discuss how you can use this approach in your work, please contact the International Making it Work team: [email protected]
Francesca PIATTA Rights in Action Coordinator
112 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 113 Ressources
114 - Rights in Action Rights in Action - 115 ALBERT, BILL. 2003-2005. “Lessons from the Disability PLANTIER-ROYON, ERIC, 2008. “Guide pratique - Comment Knowledge and Research Programme”, UK: Disability KaR. réaliser un diagnostic local participatif sur la situation des AXELSSON CHARLOTTE, 2008. “Document d’orientation personnes handicapées et leur degré de participation pour une politique de Développement Local Inclusif”, Projet : citoyenne? “ Lyon: Handicap International. “Intégration du handicap dans la coopération au développement”, funded by the Directorate-General for Employment, Social PLANTIER-ROYON, ERIC, 2009. “Document cadre thématique Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission. - Comment intervenir au niveau local sur la thématique du www.make-development-inclusive.org. handicap“ Lyon: Handicap International.
CHIRIACESCU, DIANA. 2006. “Ensuring Access of People with MILLER, U., ZIEGLER, S., 2006. “Making PRSP Inclusive”, disabilities to Social Services. The need for regulatory mechanisms Munich: Handicap International and Christoffel-Blinden mission. of social services in South East Europe”, Working paper no 2, Disability Monitor Initiative, Belgrade: Handicap International South East Europe. ILO, UNESCO and WHO, 2004. “A Strategy for Rehabilitation, Equalization of Opportunities, Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion of People with disabilities”, Joint position paper 2004, CONCORD, 2010. “Towards the UN MDG Review Summit 2010 Geneva: WHO. CONCORD’s recommendations to the EU”.
INCLUSION INTERNATIONAL, 2001. “Disability, development DIANA MULLIGAN, KATE GOODING, 2009. “Sight Savers Policy and inclusion in international development cooperation: Briefing, The Millenium Development Goals and People with analysis of disability-related policies and research at selected Disabilities”, Sight Savers. multilateral and bilateral institutions”, London: Inclusion International. DFID, 2000. “Disability, Poverty and Development”, UK: DFID. ELWAN, ANN. 1999. “Poverty and Disability – A Survey of KERNEM, K., 2004. “La concertation locale dans les projets the Literature”, Social Protections Discussion Paper series, de développement: enjeux, pratiques et perspectives”, PARIS: Washington: World Bank. ENDA Europe.
DUTCH COALITION ON DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT NORAD, 2002. “The Inclusion of disability in Norwegian (DCDD), 2005. “Moving up the learning curve: inclusive development cooperation. Planning and monitoring for the development today. Examples from projects from southern inclusion of disability issues in mainstream development partners of Dutch development NGOs illustrate good practice activities”, Norway: NORAD. and show the way”, Utrecht: Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD). OECD, 2004. “Lessons Learned on Donor Support to Decentralisation and Local Governance”, DAC Evaluation EUROPEAN DISABILITY FORUM (EDF), 2002. “Policy Paper, Series, Paris: OECD. Development Cooperation And Disability”, Brussels: EDF.
SEN, AMARTYA, 2004. “Disability and justice”, presentation to UN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND, 2006. “Les pratiques et les World Bank conference, Washington D.C. instruments de développement local en Afrique de l’Ouest”, New York: United Nations. THOMAS PHILIPPA, 2005. “Disability, poverty and the millennium development goals: relevance, challenges and GUERNSEY K., NICOLI NINIO, A. Eds, 2007. “Convention on the opportunities for DFID”, London: Disability Knowledge and rights of persons with disabilities: its implementation and relevance Research (KaR). for the World Bank”, Washington, DC: The World Bank. HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL, 2001. “What is local development?”, Lyon: Handicap International. UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, 2007. “Mainstreaming disability in the development agenda”, Note by the Secretariat, Commission for Social Development, E/CN.5/2008/1. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS, 2008. “La Gouvernance urbaine dans tous ses états. Analyses et propositions du groupe de réflexion sur la gouvernance urbaine”. UNDP, 1997. “Governance for Sustainable Human Development”, New York: UNDP.
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116 - Rights in Action UNDP, 2007. “Supporting Capacities for Integrated Local Websites : Development, Practice Note”, UNDP. Millennium Development Goals www.endpoverty2015.org UN-HABITAT, 2002. “Local democracy and decentralization in East and Southern Africa. Experiences from Uganda, Kenya, www.un.org/millenniumgoals Botswana, Tanzania and Ethiopia”,Nairobi: UN-Habitat.
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Rights in Action - 117 ANNEXES Political, institutional and legislative overview of the seven West African countries
118 - Rights in Action th MALI - 7th April 2008 NIGER - 24 June 2008
SENEGAL- 7th September 2010
GUINEA - 8th February 2008
SIERRA LEONE - 4th October 2010 NIGERIA - 24th September 2009
BURKINA FASO - 23rd July 2009
THE WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES THAT HAVE RATIFIED THE CONVENTION (www.un.org/disabilities)
Rights in Action - 119 Area: 115 762 km2. Population: 6,769,914 inhabitants Benin Density: 59 inhabitants / km2 HDI: 0.49 – Ranking: 161/182
Appointed Decision-making Divisions Executive body government bodies representative Loc. Name Number gov. Department No 12 Prefect Prefect
Municipality Yes 77 Municipal council Mayor Prefect
District No 546 District council Head of District council Municipal council Head of Neighbourhood Neighbourhood No 3628 Neighbourhood council Municipal council council Village No Village council Village chief Municipal council
Decentralization and vote and implement their budgets. The CDCC is chaired by the Prefect local governance There is a marked improvement and composed of mayors, deputy compared to the era when the former mayors and three civil society Decentralization in Benin was authorities reported directly to the representatives. designed as an integral part of the central government. As a result of the joint support of democratization process initiated in The administrative organization of the the state and local development 1990. After four legislative elections territory ensures relative consistency partners, including the European and four presidential elections, between the decentralization Union, UNDP and PDM, measures Benin organized its first local and deconcentrated levels. The to strengthen the management elections in 2002/2003. The main municipalities are subdivisions of capacities of the municipalities have issue has been the shift from central the department. The department resulted in important achievements. government to a sharing of power has an administrative body which Development partners, in and resources between the state and is the Departmental Administrative collaboration with the National other public stakeholders including Conference (CAD), chaired by Association of the Municipalities local governments. 77 municipalities the Prefect and composed of all of Benin (ANCB) and the House have been created, replacing the sub- departmental directors and managers of Local Governments, developed a prefectures and adopting the latter’s of government-owned companies, local governance evaluation process boundaries. and a political advisory body known based on four criteria (participation, Since their establishment, the as the Departmental Consultation gender, transparency and the municipalities hold regular meetings, and Coordination Council (CDCC). mobilization of resources).
120 - Rights in Action As regards citizen participation, it in difficulty into the Department for Programme for the Education Sector is important to highlight the work the Integration and Rehabilitation of in Benin has started its activities for of Social Watch Benin, founded People with Disabilities; it defines the the inclusion of 300 children with in 2005 and very active in the field remit, organization and operation of disabilities in nine districts of Zou. Appointed of citizenship, public action and the Department of Family and National The inclusive education approach Decision-making Divisions Executive body government government policies in Benin. Solidarity. for children with disabilities was also bodies representative At the local level, Social Watch Benin This department, headed by a person implemented in public primary schools Loc. aims to: with a disability, includes: in the municipalities covered by the Name Number gov. JJOrganize civil society in the JJthe Rehabilitation Unit; CBR Programme. Department No 12 Prefect Prefect municipality and in different sectors JJthe Specialized Education and Several schools and specialized for the effective participation of Integration Unit; vocational training centres for people Municipality Yes 77 Municipal council Mayor Prefect people in the social development with disabilities have emerged at the JJthe Statistics, Research and process; national level. Legislation Unit. District No 546 District council Head of District council Municipal council JJFollow up the implementation of Public disability policies include: There are many associations of people Head of Neighbourhood the Municipal Development Plans by with disabilities in Benin. The first Neighbourhood No 3628 Neighbourhood council Municipal council The National Community Based council the branches of Social Watch Benin census conducted by the Department at the local level. Rehabilitation Programme (PNRBC) for the Rehabilitation and Integration Village No Village council Village chief Municipal council created in 1989 and covering 31 of People with disabilities (DRIPH) Legal framework, localities so far; reported about 180 associations. policies and disability The National Policy for the Protection In 1992, the Federation of Disabled stakeholders and Integration of People with People’s Organizations of Benin was Disabilities (PNPIPH) in Benin (2007- created; its members come from the At the national level, the legal framework 2016), prepared in July 2006 and four largest associations of people with of Benin does not have laws on the waiting to be adopted by the Council of motor, intellectual, visual, and hearing promotion of the rights of people with Ministers. This policy has been designed impairments. These four national disabilities. for the multi-sectoral management of associations created a union first, before The Constitution of December 11, disability and considers people with merging into a federation. disabilities as full citizens. 1990, states in Articles 8 and 9 the Many non-governmental stakeholders right of every citizen of Benin to social The President of the Republic had are involved in the field of disability protection, whatever their social status. promised to set up a one billion in Benin, including the Belgian The Labour Code, under Law No. (1,000,000,000) CFA francs fund for the Cooperation, which is developing 98-00, provides that people with rehabilitation and integration of people a major project to support CBR disabilities should not be discriminated with disabilities. The Cabinet, during its and physiotherapy, and the Dutch against in employment. It also defines meeting of June 10, 2009, approved the Cooperation which is developing a people with disabilities, the conditions decree establishing the responsibilities, project for inclusive education in rural for obtaining the disability card, and organization and operation of the Fund areas. the tax advantages of hiring people with for the Rehabilitation and Integration of disabilities. People with Disabilities. Three hundred million (300,000,000) CFA francs Benin signed the Convention on the were made available to the Ministry of Rights of Persons with Disabilities on Family and National Solidarity in the February 8, 2008, and the ratification 2009 budget. process is now underway. The programme for the integration In recent years, the government of Benin of children with disabilities into has shown a real interest in people with mainstream schools was developed with disabilities; consequently, a department the support of UNESCO in 1997 in in charge of disability has been created fourteen public schools located in the within the Ministry of Family. educational districts of Comè, Cotonou Article 84 of Decree No. 2005-232 of and Toffo Sike. 28 April 2005 has turned the service Since November 2004, the Inclusive for assistance to people with disabilities Education component of the Support
Rights in Action - 121 Area: 274.200 Km2 Population: 13,902,972 inhabitants Density: 50.7 inhabitants/km2 Burki na FASO HDI: 0.38 – Ranking: 177/182
Appointed Decision-making Divisions Executive body government bodies representative Loc. Name Number gov. Region Yes 13 Regional council Executive board Governor
Department No 302 Prefectural council Executive board Prefect
Municipality Yes 351 Municipal council Mayor Prefect
District No District chief Administrative delegate
Village No Village chief Administrative delegate
Decentralization and decentralization process culminated role, mandate and new obligations local governance in 2006 with the appointment of decentralised authorities. There of regional governors and the are no effective synergies and The Government of Burkina Faso, creation of rural municipalities. links between deconcentrated which has been under structural Although the process started in services and decentralized local adjustment since 1991, has 1998 was previously quite slow, it governments. embarked on a decentralization has been considerably accelerated It is also important to note that process, with guidance over the past three years, driven the context is not homogenous laws adopted in 1998. This by a clearly expressed political will across Burkina Faso. There are decentralization process is based on and supervised and supported by differences among regions in the establishment of two types of all donors in the context of good terms of the ownership of the decentralized local authorities: the local governance. The country is process, collaboration among the municipality (urban or rural), and now divided into 13 regions, 49 different partners, and the creation the region. urban municipalities, 302 rural of partnerships for decentralized The commune is the first operational municipalities, and 45 provinces. cooperation. This difference is level of decentralization; mayors However, there is a huge lack of acute, particularly among the are now elected and their powers financial and human resources urban municipalities, with the have been increased. The second on the ground, and a lack of predominance of the two largest level is the region. information, especially in rural cities, the capital Ouagadougou The implementation of the communities, with regard to the (with an estimated population
122 - Rights in Action of 1,480,000 inhabitants) and scholarships and the civil service Persons with Disabilities on 23 Bobo-Dioulasso. Apart from (priority registration, review of the May, 2007, and it was ratified on these two major cities, the other age limit etc.). 23 July, 2009. urban municipalities have small There is also a specific decree The State is responsible for the Appointed populations (less than 50,000 on fixing the conditions of issue of enforcement of the rights of Decision-making Divisions Executive body government average) and therefore do not have the disability card for people with people with disabilities through bodies representative a strong representation or position. disabilities. This card should allow the Ministry for the Promotion of Loc. As the country is over 80% rural, it a reduction of costs in public health Human Rights and the Ministry Name Number gov. is in the rural communities that the facilities; it has been more effective of Social Action and National Region Yes 13 Regional council Executive board Governor issue of decentralization should be since 2005. Solidarity. Within the Ministry the most crucial. Unfortunately, at Finally, there are specific articles of Social Action and National Department No 302 Prefectural council Executive board Prefect this level, the needs are enormous concerning people with disabilities Solidarity, a Department for the while the resources allocated are in a number of laws: Promotion and Protection of largely inadequate. People with Disabilities (DPPPH) Municipality Yes 351 Municipal council Mayor Prefect JJ law No. 20/96/ADP of July 10, has been created. This weakness has been 1996 on the land tax. Article 3 District No District chief Administrative delegate recognized and addressed in states that disadvantaged people In June 2005, the government the new decentralization policy with disabilities are exempt from established a Multi-sectoral Village No Village chief Administrative delegate promoted by the Ministry for taxes on state-owned land. It also Committee for Rehabilitation and Territorial Administration and grants exemption or reduction to Equal Opportunities for Persons Decentralization. The policy is people with disabilities for other with Disabilities (COMUREC / strongly supported by donors taxes; Handicap). and has an innovative and JJlaw No. 014-2001/AN of July 03 The National Social Action Policy important initiative, which is 2001 on the electoral code. Article (PNAS, April 2007) deals with the decentralization of water 91 states: “Any voter suffering the prevention of marginalization management at the level of the from any infirmity or physical and exclusion, the protection municipalities. There is a central disability making it impossible for and rehabilitation of people with organization of municipalities them to make their choice and put disabilities, and the development which is said to be quite influential the ballot in the ballot box can be of their capacities. (the Association of Mayors of assisted by a voter of their choice Burkina was created in 1995 and , The National Health Development or by someone from the polling in 2001, became the Association of Plan (PNDS, 2001-2010) includes station”; Municipalities of Burkina). measures for the prevention and JJlaw No. 33-2004/AN of management of disability. Among Legislative framework September 14, 2004 on the these actions, the PNDS envisages the construction of a National and disability policies Labour Code of Burkina Faso states in article 50 that persons Blindness Prevention Centre. and stakeholders with disabilities are entitled to The ten-year Plan for the adaptation in their workplace and In Burkina Faso, there is a framework Development of Basic Education to specialized training. The new law for people with disabilities, (PDDEB, 2001-2010) mentions Labour Code (published in 2008) namely ZATU No 86-005/CNR/ the need to promote the inclusion of states in Articles 4 and 40 that PRES of January 16, 1986. This disabled children into mainstream a quota of 6% of persons with law contains nine articles on the schools, develop the accessibility disabilities must be applied in adoption of social measures for and adaptation of schools and companies with more than fifty people with disabilities. strengthen specialized educational employees. institutions in collaboration with In addition to this framework On 1 April 2010, Parliament civil society organizations. law, there are two specific acts or discussed and unanimously instruments known as Kiti (they To implement this strategy, the adopted a bill on the protection are the equivalent of ministerial Ministry of Basic Education and promotion of disability rights. orders) concerning arrangements and Literacy created in 2005 a for people with disabilities in At the international level, Burkina Department for the Promotion the areas of accessibility, access Faso signed the International of Inclusive Education (SPEI) to examinations, competitions, Convention on the Rights of within the Department for Basic
Rights in Action - 123 Education (DGEB); it is responsible The creation of disabled people’s The Burkina Federation for for the design, promotion and organizations began in 1979 with the Promotion of People with implementation of actions to meet the Burkina Association for the Disabilities (FEBAH) was founded the educational needs of children Advancement of the Blind and in 1992 and has established 13 with disabilities. Partially Sighted (ABPAM). To regional coordination offices that The Poverty Reduction Strategic date, there are about 350 DPOs. are now operational. Plan (PRSP) explicitly mentions At the first level, associations Nine of the many NGOs working people with disabilities among the formed national unions according on behalf of people with disabilities categories of vulnerable people. to the type of impairment, with are grouped together into an A draft National Strategy for the the participation of other umbrella “Informal Consultation Framework Protection and promotion of organizations (the municipal for international NGOs working people with disabilities (SNPPPH) coordination of persons with in the field of disability (CCI- 2010-2020 is being finalized by disabilities of Ouagadougou, and Handicap)”, established in March the Ministry of Social Action and the Union of Women’s DPOs); these 2008 to ensure better coordination National Solidarity (MASSN), in Unions were then grouped together and collaboration between partnership with UNICEF and into the National Federation, international stakeholders in the Handicap International. which is the second level. disability field in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Federation for the Promotion of Persons with Disabilities
Communal Union of the blind Union of persons Union of mentaly Union of women Union of deaf and coordination of and partially with physical impaired with disabilities hearing-impaired Ouagadougou sighted (ABPAV) disabilities (APEE/ARCH)
Local associations
124 - Rights in Action Area: 1.,241,238 km2 Population:14,517,176 inhabitants Density: 8.87 inhabitants/km2 Mali HDI: 0.371 – Ranking: 178/182
Appointed Decision-making Divisions Executive body government bodies representative Loc. Name Number gov. Office of the Regional Region Yes 8 Regional Assembly Governor Assembly Circle Yes 49 Circle Board Office of the Circle Board Prefect District Office of the District Yes 1 District Board District Governor (Bamako) Board Office of the Municipal Municipality Yes 703 Municipal Board Deputy Prefect Board Area/village/ Area, village or fraction No 265 Area, village or fraction Board Deputy Prefect fraction chief
Decentralization and decentralized entities (8regions, 49 local governments (ANICT). local governance circles, 703 municipalities, and the There have been considerable municipality of Bamako, which improvements in the functioning Since the national conference enjoys a special status). of local bodies during the (1991), the decentralization process The High Council of Local different terms of office. However, has gone through the adoption Government (HCC), envisaged efforts are needed to strengthen of varied laws and the creation in the Constitution of 1992, technical bodies, particularly in of various support organizations was established in 2002. This rural communities. Most of the for the new local governments. new institution represents local competencies of local governments After the first hesitant steps, the governments nationwide and are still under supervision. decentralization process is now in plays a central role in conducting The local election process is open its operational phase, thanks to the and monitoring the evolution to all political forces and to civil transfer of powers and resources of the decentralization process. society. Citizen participation from the central government Other support institutions frameworks are developing and to local authorities (2003) include the Ministry of Territorial promoting citizen monitoring of and the adoption of a national Administration and Local local activities. decentralization policy framework Governments, the National document (DCPN) in 2005. Department of Local Governments, Local authorities are now familiar with the local development The administrative organization the Authority for the integrated planning tools and are making great is based on a system of development of northern Mali, efforts to provide public services. decentralization at three levels: the the Commission for Institutional Local governments also support municipality, the circle and the Development (CDI), and the businesses. region. Today the country has 761 National Investment Agency for
Rights in Action - 125 Legislative framework development of this convention, Mali. There is also a DPO umbrella and disability policies with the participation of FEMAPH organization, FEMAPH, and and representatives of the Ministry each type of impairment group is and stakeholders of Social Development, Solidarity represented by at least one national Mali does not have specific laws and Elderly People. association. dealing with disability issues. The public institutions dealing The mission of FEMAPH is to Article 17 of the Constitution with disability in Mali are: coordinate the activities of DPOs of 1992 considers education, JJat the national level: the and ensure capacity building. training, employment, housing, Ministry for Social Development, It is also the main government leisure, health and social protection Solidarity and the Elderly; the stakeholder with regard to the as rights to which everybody is National Department for Social implementation of its policy for entitled, without any specific Development; the promotion of the rights of people with disabilities. FEMAPH mention of people with disabilities. JJat the regional level: the now brings together 15 national Regional Departments of Social In actual fact, apart from the 1983 DPOs, including the Mali Union Development and Economic ILO Convention on Vocational of Women DPOs. Rehabilitation and Employment of Solidarity; The Mali Federation of Sports persons with disabilities ratified by JJat the local: the Social Associations for the Disabled Mali in June 12, 1995 (which has Development and Economic (FEMASH) and the National no implementing order), and a draft Solidarity sections. framework law on the protection Artistic and Cultural Company The promotion of people with for People with Disabilities of persons with disabilities disabilities is part of the fight championed by the Mali Federation (ENACPHM) are associate against marginalization and members of FEMAPH. of Disabled People’s Organizations social exclusion and has now (FEMAPH) since 2002 (and which been identified as a priority by FEMAPH has 8 regional federations is still not through), the legal the government of Mali. The (FERAPH) and 51 local federations framework remains limited as actions of the government, DPOs (FELAPH). regards disability rights. and development partners for In Mali, several NGOs are active In 1999, a national forum on justice the achievement of this goal are in the disability field, including: in Mali (launched by President articulated in a five-year programme Action Disability Development Alpha Konare) recommended the for health and social development (ADD), International Service (IS), establishment of a legal system / (PRODESS) and a three-year Helen Keller International (HKI), civil society platform for the rights programme for Community Based Doctors For Disabled (DFD), of the disadvantaged, women, Rehabilitation (CBR), designed Christian Blind Mission (CBM), children, seniors and persons with jointly by the government and Sight Savers International, World disabilities. This platform is still DPOs. Vision and Water Aid (access to dormant. However, PRODESS does not water). Nevertheless, Mali signed the have any specific measures to International Convention on the address the problems faced by Rights of Persons with Disabilities people with disabilities, and there on May 15, 2007, which was is very little action to prevent ratified on 5 September, 2007 and disability; moreover, the CBR voted by the National Assembly programme has been limited by a on November 8, 2007. The lack of funds, operational strategy, instruments of the ratification of and coordination among the the Convention and its Optional stakeholders involved. Protocol were submitted to the The revitalization of the steering United Nations on 7 April, 2008. committee of the CBR programme Moreover, Mali was one of the in 2007 holds out hope of greater countries of the region that effectiveness and coordination on were the most present during the part of these stakeholders. the sessions in New York for the The number of DPOs is high in
126 - Rights in Action Area: 13,272,679 km2 Population: 14,426,000 inhabitants Density: 9.9 inhabitants / km2 niger HDI: 0.34 – Ranking: 182/182
Decision-making Deconcentrated Divisions Executive body bodies body / supervisor Loc. Name Number Gov. President of the Regions Yes 8 Regional council Governor Regional council President of the Departments Yes 36 Departmental council Prefect Departmental council
Urban 4 (Niamey, Maradi, Urban community President of the Urban Yes Governor communities Zinder and Tahoua) council community council
265 (213 rural Municipality Yes communities et 52 Municipal council Mayor Prefect urban communities)
Decentralization and group of villages, tribes and/or entities are no longer appointed local governance neighbourhoods whose main activity by decree, but are elected by the is related to the primary sector, with people. Therefore power is based on Decentralization in Niger dates a population of at least five thousand popular suffrage. The local elections back to colonial times but political (5,000) inhabitants. of July 24, 2004, introduced the instability and weak financial capacity The city of Niamey stands apart municipal councils onto the political of the state largely explain the slow because it is both an urban scene. During these elections, process. community (composed of five 3,747 councillors were elected. The Law 2001-023 of 10 August 2001 municipalities), and a region. For legislative bodies elected at the head identified three levels of local this reason, the urban community of the new entities officially took up government in Niger: the region, the of Niamey does not have an elected their duties in the first quarter of department, and the municipalities. mayor, but a regional governor who 2005. The law defines two types of is also mayor (however, there is an However, the transfer of skills is not municipalities in Niger: elected mayor for each municipality), yet effective. The local government is hence the ambiguity regarding the responsible for the implementation of JJthe urban municipality is composed roles and prerogatives of the mayors of an agglomeration of villages, the decentralization process with the of the five municipalities of Niamey. neighbourhoods and/or tribes whose assistance of technical support bodies main activities are related to the Full municipalization is occurring for (the Office for the Modernization tertiary sector, with a population the first time in Niger in a democratic of the State, Ministry of the of at least ten thousand (10,000) context with more than forty political Interior and Decentralization, High inhabitants; parties on the national political scene. Council for Local Governments, Interministerial Committee for JJ Local officials of the decentralized the rural municipality is a Territorial Administration). The new
Rights in Action - 127 bodies put in place have started to national decrees for the protection work, but many municipalities do and promotion of people with not have administrative staff. This disabilities. These laws include: reduces the management capacities of JJordinance 93-12 of 2 March, most municipalities. 1993, laying down minimum rules During the first elections, the electoral concerning the social protection of system demonstrated its ability people with disabilities, guarantees to mobilize people around local the rights of people with disabilities management issues. The openings to health, education, employment for local, non-political stakeholders and social protection. Decree No. promote the participation of other 96-264 of 15 August 1996 establishes players in the management of the procedures for implementing this the municipality. However, this ordinance; opportunity is rarely used by citizens. JJordinance 99-68 of 20 December, Due to the lack of a policy for the 1999 establishes the national support transfer of financial resources from fund for people with disabilities. It the state to the municipalities, reflects the principles of national they cannot make a significant solidarity already stated in Ordinance contribution to the national 93-12 of 2 March, 1993; economy. Most municipalities have JJdecree 96-456 / PRN / MSP of 28 engaged in the working out of their November, 1996 concerning services first development plan. However, provided in national hospitals the financial difficulties they face states in Article 9 that people with limit them to marginal interventions disabilities are exempt from hospital in terms of the provision of basic charges pursuant to Ordinance 93- services to the populations. 012 of 02 March, 1993; The first term of office of the local JJlaw 98-12 of 1 June 1998 (LOSEN) governments was interrupted by the on the orientation of the education military coup of 18 February 2010, system in Niger states the right to and the elected mayors have been education for every child, including replaced with appointed delegates. children with disabilities; JJdecree No. 97-404 of November Legal framework 10, 1997 establishes the National and disability Technical Committee for the policies and promotion of people with disabilities. stakeholders An analysis of existing laws conducted by national federation of people with In Niger there is no framework law on disabilities demonstrates: th disability. The constitutions of the 5 JJthey are generally outdated; and 6th Republic respectively provided JJthere is a lack of knowledge of in articles 19 and 22 that: ‘’The State these laws among government shall ensure equal opportunities employees, people with for people with disabilities for their disabilities and most of their promotion and/or reintegration into associations. As a result, this society.’’ framework is not effective. Besides the general and universal Following these findings, presented rights that apply to all, there are by DPOs during participatory special provisions for people with meetings and as part of the work disabilities. on the UN Convention, the laws The legal framework includes all texts were revised under the auspices and international conventions and of the Ministry of Population and
128 - Rights in Action and continuing training of teachers for children with visual and hearing disabilities, and the creation of five inclusive classes and two specialized schools. People with disabilities are organized locally in groups or unions of groups. Nationally, there are 6 associations and unions representing different types of disabilities: National Union for the Blind of Niger (UNAN), National Association of People with Motor Disabilities (ANAL), Niger Association for the Deaf (DSC), Association of People affected by Leprosy, Niger Association for the Advancement of People with Intellectual Disabilities and Association of Victims of Occupational Accidents (ANAMP). These organizations are grouped within the Federation of People with Disabilities of Niger (FNPH) and the Niger Sports Federation for People with Disabilities (FENISPHA). In parallel with these organisations, traditional community leadership structures for people with disabilities play a very important role in community organization in Niger. Social Reform and are still to be through public health sector adopted. programs. It works in the field of the Several international organizations are involved in the disability field, One result of the advocacy of prevention of disability and disabling including Handicap International, DPOs has been the signing of the diseases through the Expanded CBM (through the Project for International Convention on the Program of Immunization - EPI the Rehabilitation of Persons with Rights of Persons with Disabilities (which aims, among other things, to Disability in Niger (PRHAN), Helen on March 30, 2007. The Convention eradicate polio by 2015), lymphatic Keller International (HKI), Raoul was ratified on June 24, 2008. filariasis programmes, meningitis prevention, and the fight against Follereau, International Trachoma The main institutional stakeholder blindness and mental diseases. Initiative - Niger (IIT), Thiebon involved in the disability field is Emaus, CADEV/CARITAS, CARE The Ministry of Vocational and the Ministry of Population and and Serving-In-Mission (SIM). Social Reform. It is responsible Technical Training has developed for the protection, promotion and a modernization programme for social reintegration of people with vocational education which includes disabilities; the ministry has regional a section on people with disabilities. branches and departmental social In the ten-year plan for educational development units. development (PDDE), the Ministry The Ministry of Public Health and of Education addresses the theme Endemic Disease Control (MSP of children with disabilities. It has / LCE) is in charge of preventive actions aimed at developing tools medical care, treatment, and the for monitoring the education of promotion of people with disabilities children with disabilities, the initial
Rights in Action - 129 Area: 196,722 km2 Population: 11,987,121 inhabitants Density: 61.1 inhabitants / km2 senegal HDI: 0.46 – Ranking: 166/182
Appointed Decision-making Divisions Executive body government bodies representative Loc. Name Number gov. Chairperson of the Regional Region Yes 14 Regional council Governor council. Department No 45 Prefect
District No 117
Municipalities (incl. cities) Yes 113 Municipal council Mayor Prefect
Urban municipality Yes 46 Municipal council Mayor Deputy Prefect Chairperson of the Rural Rural community Yes 370 Rural council Deputy Prefect council
Decentralization and had 14 regions, 45 departments, 46 but the technical capacity of local local governance districts, 113 urban municipalities government still needs strengthening. and 370 rural municipalities. At the socio-economic level, The history of decentralization in The implementation of thedecentralization is now well Senegal is very significant. Senegal was decentralization policy in Senegal entrenched in the minds of Senegalese the first Francophone African country since 2006 has been the responsibility people. It has nurtured the emergence to implement municipalization, of the Minister of the Interior and of a local elite more aware of their with St Louis and Goree in 1872, Local Governments. However, other social responsibilities. A local spirit Rufisque in 1880 and Dakar in ministers also have responsibilities has thereby developed which is 1886. After independence, Senegal in relation to decentralization, such gradually becoming recognised as an had 34 municipalities. However, it as the Minister for International effective alternative to the concept of was in 1996 with the adoption of Cooperation and Decentralized the «welfare state». the Municipal Administration Code Cooperation and the Deputy Minister However, although deeply rooted (which sets out the organization, in the Office of the Prime Minister in the political tradition of Senegal, powers and operation of the in charge of Local Development. decentralization still has various municipalities) that regionalization Furthermore, national structures weaknesses. To overcome these began and the municipal status of have been also created to support the constraints and allow decentralization Senegal finally became a reality. government in implementing this to be truly effective in the fight against The territorial organizationpolicy. poverty, general reforms need to be established in 1996 has undergone There is a long tradition of functioning considered. several changes. In 2009, Senegal local bodies/associations in Senegal,
130 - Rights in Action Area: 196,722 km2 Population: 11,987,121 inhabitants Legislative country. As part of the decentralization skills have been opened by DPOs for Density: 61.1 inhabitants / km2 framework and process, local authorities also work in the benefit of their members. These HDI: 0.46 – Ranking: 166/182 synergy with these deconcentrated centres are part of programmes to disability policies government services. create income-generating activities Appointed and stakeholders The 2006-2010 poverty reduction and are funded by the associations Decision-making Divisions Executive body government strategic paper for Senegal targets themselves or by their partners. bodies The 2001 constitution of Senegal DPOs are involved also in advocacy representative states that persons with disabilities people with disabilities as one of the Loc. most vulnerable groups requiring activities. Name Number must be protected. In 2001, the gov. government organized a Ministerial access to social services. This document Most DPOs combine their efforts Chairperson of the Regional Region Yes 14 Regional council Governor Council on the inclusion of persons includes monitoring indicators within the Senegalese Federation council. with disabilities. Nineteen guidelines related to the number of people with of Disabled People’s Organizations Department No 45 Prefect were issued by the council, the first disabilities who are fitted with devices (FSAPH), created in the late 1990s. of which affirmed the necessity of and the number of income-generating The Federation works with non- District No 117 elaborating a social orientation bill. projects managed by people with state stakeholders, although the disabilities with financial support government remains its primary ally Municipalities (incl. cities) Yes 113 Municipal council Mayor Prefect A decade later, a social orientation bill (through the Community-Based and partner. The Federation aims to on the promotion and protection of Rehabilitation – CBR- programme enable people with disabilities and persons with disabilities was adopted Urban municipality Yes 46 Municipal council Mayor Deputy Prefect implemented by the State in some their representative organizations to on 26 may 2010. Among its clauses Chairperson of the Rural parts of the country). National speak with one voice in promoting Rural community Yes 370 Rural council Deputy Prefect were: the establishment of a 15% council programmes in support of poverty and defending the principles of quota of people with disabilities reduction promote the inclusion of dignity and citizenship. It is headed recruited in public functions, the people with disabilities through small by a president, elected by their peers, reduction of transportation fees, the income-generating projects. who chairs a board of directors creation of a «High Authority for An inclusive approach to education representing 26 national associations. the protection of the rights of people There are FSAPH branches in regions with disabilities», the accessibility of in Senegal is beginning to develop through teacher training programmes and departments throughout the public buildings and the creation of country. an “equal opportunities card”. to support the schooling of children with disabilities, awareness-raising Regarding DPOs, it is also important The Senegalese government has actions targeting parents and the local to note that the office of the Secretariat not yet ratified the International community, and initiatives to make of the African Decade of Persons Convention on the Rights of Persons schools more accessible. with Disabilities (SADPD) for West, with Disabilities. It limited himself to There are over one hundred DPOs Central and North Africa is located in signing it in April 2007, even though Dakar. the bill of ratification was submitted in Senegal. Some associations are to National Assembly at the end of national while others are local. 2009. Some organizations are specialised indifferent categories of disability, Protecting the rights and needs while others represent all types of of persons with disabilities is the disability. responsibility of the Division for the Advancement of Persons with DPOs have existed in Senegal since Disabilities at the Ministry for independence in 1960. Influenced by Social Action and Relations with the international context of disability, Institutions. The President of the DPOs have promoted real changes Republic also appointed a special in Senegal, particularly in terms of adviser to deal with disability issues. moving away from a charity model of disability toward an approach that At the local level, people with emphasizes rights and dignity and disabilities refer themselves to the respects difference. regional and departmental social action services. They are supported DPOs have implemented initiatives by the Rehabilitation and Social for economic inclusion and vocational Promotion Centres (CPRS), which training. Training centres for tailoring, are present in almost all districts in the hairdressing, batik dyeing and office
Rights in Action - 131 Area: 71,740 km2 Population: 6,294,774 inhabitants Density: 76 inhabitants / km2 sierra Leone HDI: 0.36 – Ranking: 180/182
Decision-making Country subdivisions Executive Leader body Decentralized Level Nb level Provincial Oversight Provinces Yes 04 Resident Minister Resident Minister Committee District Chairman Districts. Yes 13 Local Councils Mayors (Cities) (Provincial Districts)
Chiefdoms Yes 149 Local Court Paramount Chief Local jurors
Decentralization and following Paramount Chieftaincy their own councils (which are local governance elections in 2003. Since 2004, separate from the districts in each of the 13 districts and 6 major which they are based); the capital Traditionally, the basic unit cities (Freetown, Bo, Kenema, city Freetown (subdivided into of local government outside Makeni, Koidu and Bonthe) has two local councils: Freetown City of Freetown is the chiefdom, had an elected Local Council, Council and the Western Area headed by a paramount chief. which is the highest political Rural Council); 149 chiefdoms; District governments had been authority in the district/city. 390 wards. abolished under Siaka Stevens The elections were aimed at A comprehensive plan for devolving presidency in the early 1970s, reactivating local government central government functions and while Freetown Council and administration at district level, to the local councils has been the four town councils continued decentralising central government prepared. A decentralised public to function (after a fashion), functions and building local financial management system has local government elsewhere level capacity to manage the also been established, with the aim was essentially a combination decentralised system. In 2008, of improving national-level public of centrally appointed district peaceful local council elections financial management. The World officers and local chiefs. were held and received the Bank, the EU, UNDP, DFID Sierra Leone emerged from a endorsment of the international and other donors are facilitating decade of brutal civil war in 2002. community. the devolution of power to local The elections of May 2004 led to The administrative structure of authorities and the participation a profound change in the nature the state is composed of: 4 regions of citizens in the development of local government in Sierra or provinces (Northern, Southern, process. Leone with the advent of the Eastern and Western Area); 13 On paper, the new local councils decentralisation process. The first districts; 19 local councils; 5 towns have responsibility for a wide range local government elections in 32 (Kenema, Koidu/Sembehun, of services including education and years were successfully conducted Makeni, Bo and Bonthe) with health. However the devolution of
132 - Rights in Action Area: 71,740 km2 Population: 6,294,774 inhabitants responsibility from central to local the aged, young and disabled disabilities. Density: 76 inhabitants / km2 government was always likely to be shall be actively promoted and Although the government of HDI: 0.36 – Ranking: 180/182 slow, given the extreme shortage safeguarded”. Sierra Leone’s 2005-2007 Poverty of qualified staff, buildings and Possibly as a result of international Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) equipment at local level. attention in the post-war period, identified the participation Decision-making Country subdivisions Executive Leader As part of this plan, a new Local disability issues have become quite and inclusion of vulnerable body Government Service Commission prominent across the country, as groups (including persons with Decentralized was to be established and senior it has been well documented that disabilities) as a priority, a national Level Nb level administrators to be seconded rebels used deliberate amputation policy on disability has not yet Provincial Oversight Provinces Yes 04 Resident Minister Resident Minister to fill the posts of Local Council of limbs as a method of instilling been approved. A Draft National Committee Chief Administrators for one year. terror in civilian populations. Policy Paper on Persons with District Chairman After that, elected councillors were In addition, at the end of the Disabilities was prepared in 2004- Districts. Yes 13 Local Councils Mayors (Cities) (Provincial Districts) to recruit these posts. war the Government signed a 2005 under the shared leadership The speed of devolution was number of international human of Ministry of Health and Chiefdoms Yes 149 Local Court Paramount Chief Local jurors slowed by the absence in the new rights conventions including the Ministry of Social Welfare. The law of guarantees for the provision UN Convention on the Rights of recommendations defined in the of adequate finance for effective Persons with Disabilities and its draft were too broad and they did local government. The availability Optional Protocol on March 30, not prioritise issues or define costs of financial grants from central 2007. for implementation. Furthermore the participation and involvement government was crucial, given The parliament authorized the limitations that rural poverty of DPOs in the consultation ratification on July 28, 2009, and process was considered very low. places on own-revenue generation. is currently working on national But the government rejected the legislation to ensure compliance. Since then, there have been several growing international practice of applications of the draft legislation defining in the legislation a fixed In 2004, Parliament adopted the with some involvement of DPOs proportion of central government Human Rights Commission of through the the new, government- revenue for transfer. Sierra Leone Act (HRC Act), which led National Committee for the provides for the establishment of a Essentially the decentralisation Rehabilitation of Persons with national human rights institution Disabilities (NCRPD). NCRPD process has encountered many for the protection and promotion problems resulting from weak has no direct powers of its of human rights. There is an own. The Committee is mainly state capacity, the persistence opportunity for DP Os to work of chiefdom governance, composed of governmental bodies with the Commission to ensure and DPOs have been given only chaotic local revenue collecting that disability issues are respected systems, informal provincial a minor consultative role. The and their rights safeguarded at all NCRPD rarely meets proactively land and property markets, poor levels of society. government record keeping, and and mainly serves as a forum for corruption. The Ministry of Social Welfare information-sharing. is the official government Mainstreaming of disability is Legislative framework administration responsible for the a particular gap in most areas of welfare of people with disabilities, and disability policies development in Sierra Leone. but its resources and capabilities This issue runs through all and stakeholders are limited. In September 2006, programs and initiatives either by the National Commission for The 1991 Constitution and government, bilateral institutions Social Action (NaCSA) was a number of key treaties and or international organisations. officially designated to implement conventions that Sierra Leone the War Victims Reparations While the National Health has signed provide an entry point Program, under the provisions Strategy 2002 indicates that to work toward an improved of the Truth and Reconciliation disability is one of the priority policy framework for persons Commission (TRC) report. health problems in Sierra Leone, it with disabilities. Article 8 of NaCSA has also been providing is not prioritized among different the Constitution set forth social support to vulnerable communities health approaches. policy objectives for the state, and groups, including people with The Sierra Leone New Education including “care and welfare of
Rights in Action - 133 Policy, as well as the PRSP, there is no clear government policy Advocacy; Research; Fundraising). states a priority need for special on the employment of people National and international education for disabled and with disabilities, neither are NGOs (in collaboration with UN vulnerable children and youth. there systematic public programs agencies) and DPOs have been The Ministry of Education, supporting the integration of providing the majority of assistance Science and Technology (MEST) people with disabilities in the on functional rehabilitation and has a draft Education Sector productive economy. psychological and livelihood Plan (ESP) covering 2007-2012 The Sierra Leone Union of Disabled support services. There are about which prioritises the difficulties Issues (SLUDI) is the national 20-25 major NGOs (international of children with mobility issues, umbrella network of DPOs and and national), which are active as part of the Millennium special needs institutions. It was in the areas of education, health, Development Goals for 2015. One formed in 1995 to promote equal housing, advocacy and livelihood of ESP’s main policy goals is to opportunity and accessibility for support. increase the number of vulnerable all people with disabilities. In and disadvantaged children, 2006, SLUDI counted 29 active including orphans, enrolling and members from across the country, staying in school. This is to be covering all types of impairment achieved by ensuring schools can (e.g. Sierra Leone Association of be safely used by children with the Blind, Sierra Leone National disabilities, the availability of Association of the Deaf, Polio special needs teacher training and Victim Association, Association training materials, increased social Grafton, Leprosy Association of support and monitoring by social Makeny, etc.). SLUDI operates workers, and skills training. via the following bodies: 1) the The establishment of a quota Union, representing all registered system for the employment of members, 2) the Executive persons with disabilities in the Committee, composed of 11 labour market has been proposed elected members, and 3) 4 Sub- in the draft national disability committees (Prevention and legislation. However, at present, Rehabilitation; Education and
134 - Rights in Action Area: 56,785 km2 Population: 5,858,673 inhabitants togo Density: 95 inhabitants / km2 HDI: 0.49 – Ranking: 159/182
Appointed Decision-making Divisions Executive body government bodies representative Loc. Name Number gov. Region Yes 5 Regional Council Executive board Governor
Prefecture Yes 30 Prefectural Council Executive board Prefect
Municipality Yes 30 Municipal council Mayor Prefect
Decentralization and delegations in the municipalities elections have still not taken place. local governance (consisting of 11 people designated by After the 2010 presidential elections, the State) that manage local policies. Togo will have to implement Despite the adoption of a law However, the lack of municipalities its decentralization policy. The on decentralization in 1998 and with democratically elected government must agree to depart regulation in 2007, decentralization representatives does not constitute an from political interference (special reforms have not yet started in Togo. obstacle to the local approach. delegations and appointed mayors), However, a decrease in political The current acts or instruments and its partners will have to find ways tensions at the high level of the state, offer some opportunities for local to organize elections and educate as evidenced by recent inter-Togolese participation, and local authorities are the population in the concept of dialogue, is expected to advance the making efforts to capitalize on them decentralization. decentralization process. through advocacy activities. The 1998 The territorial division of Togo Act organizes a permanent system Legislative framework into municipalities, prefectures of democracy through dialogue and disability policies and regions is an outcome of the between citizens and elected local and stakeholders 1992 constitution. The 1998 law representatives in between elections. on decentralization set the number It states that the right of citizens to So far, Togo has signed but not of local governments. It divides the be informed and consulted by local yet ratified the UN Convention territory into 5 regions, 30 prefectures officials on matters that concern them on the Rights of Persons with and 30 urban municipalities. As far is inseparable from self-government. Disabilities. The ratification as rural municipalities, which are The acts or instruments governing process is underway at the National composed of villages, there are no decentralization are comprehensive Assembly. However, there is a set of given criteria to define them. and democratic. They provide for local acts and instruments that refer to Existing local governments do not autonomy and a role for traditional people with disabilities in Togo. have clearly defined powers. The leaders. However, many financial, The Constitution of October 14, municipal councillors elected in 1987 institutional and political barriers 1992, as amended by Act No. were replaced in 2001 with special slow down the process and municipal 2002-029 of 31 December 2002,
Rights in Action - 135 endorses in its preamble the provisions contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 33 states that “Government must take measures to protect people with disabilities from social injustice». The Act of April 23, 2004 on the social protection of persons with disabilities is the first and only law dealing exclusively with the rights of persons with disabilities. It considers persons with disabilities largely as persons that need charity, and it does not have any application decree. The law of 13 December 2006 establishing the Labour Code devotes two articles to persons with disabilities and employment. The first article defines persons with disabilities, and the second says that working conditions for persons with disabilities are set by decree by the Council of Ministers. To date, there is still no such decree. The Order of January 4, 1968 laying down the general status of Togolese civil servants includes provisions that protect persons with disabilities, but also some discriminatory clauses. Citizens’ access to public service is governed by a general constitutional principle, which is «equal access to public employment». However, paragraph 4 of Article 23 of the Status provides that no person shall be an official «if they do not meet the fitness Persons with Disabilities, established the country. It is the key negotiator requirements for the position». by the Decree of 11 October, 2001, in the disability field in Togo and The Education Reform in Togo provides on the Organization and Duties of is responsible for coordinating the for support and coaching for disabled the Ministry. This specific department efforts of the whole network of children, with specialized primary and exists at the central level only, in DPOs. secondary education institutions to be Lomé. In some regional departments created. Yet, this reform does not refer of the Ministry, there are services that At the level of technical to inclusive approaches. serve people with disabilities, but this and financial support function is not formalized. Three categories of stakeholders are Handicap International, DED JJ involved in the disability field in Togo. The Ministry of Health (German Development Service), They are: CBM, Plan Togo, Liliane At the civil society level Foundation, UNICEF, WHO and At the government level The Togo Federation of DPOs other development stakeholders are present. JJThe Ministry of Social Action, the (FETAPH) was created on November Advancement of Women, and the 30, 1990. It is the national umbrella To date, there are a number of Protection of Children and the Elderly, organization, comprising 35 national policies on disability. These which specifically has a Department for member organizations throughout are:
136 - Rights in Action take into account the concerns of people with disabilities. The DPO movement in Togo is very large. According to the 2008 Directory of DPO, there are approximately 180 local DPOs in the country. Some of these DPOs are members of FETAPH and FETOSPHA (Togolese Sports Federation for People with Disabilities). These organizations are involved in almost all areas related to disability issues, including disability prevention, promoting the rights of people with disabilities, campaigning for changes in the social representations of disability, rehabilitation, promoting income- generating activities, inclusive education, sports and so on.
The national rehabilitation policy several pages to strategies for formulated in 1997 and revised in vulnerable groups, including people December 2005. This policy has with disabilities. been developed by the Ministry The Poverty Reduction Strategy of Health as part of its Disability/ Paper (PRSP) of Togo has been Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation made inclusive with regard to Programme. It is an analysis of the education, health and employment. national situation in the field of The inclusion of disability in rehabilitation and it has resulted in this strategy document has been the identification of priority issues possible thanks to the effective and the formulation of objectives participation of FETAPH and and operational strategies. Handicap International Togo The National Programme for (through collaboration with DED) the Promotion and Protection of in the work of the thematic groups Human Rights (2007-2010). It was (health, education, employment, adopted by the Council of Ministers etc.). The participation of these on 31 May 2007. This programme stakeholders has raised awareness deals with human rights and devotes among authorities of the need to
Rights in Action - 137
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL Regional DECISIPH Coordination West Africa 3079, avenue Bourguiba - Complexe Gamma - BP 15 331 DAKAR - Senegal [email protected]
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