UNDP Resident Representative made a statement in Gaborone today at the Government of Botswana’s commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2020. The theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities is “Building Back Better for a Disability Accessible and Sustainable post covid-19 World.” Ms Barrins called for the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development.
In her address, Ms Jacinta Barrins called for the Government of Botswana to honour the commitment made to accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Botswana is one of the few countries globally that has not acceded to the CRPD which ensures the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. UNDP Botswana has been supporting the Government of Botswana since 2018, to develop a National Disability Policy, Disability Strategy and Disability Law so that the laws and policies of Botswana support the roll-out of the CRPD.