International Day of people with Disability, colourfully

commemorated in Asmara
United Nations Eritrea

December 2014

3 December is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a United Nations sanctioned
day that celebrates progress in breaking down barriers, opening doors, and realising an inclusive society for all, under this years global them, sustainable Development:
The promis of technology; focusing on Disaster reduction and emergency response, creating enabling working environment, and disability inclusive sustainable development goals.Therefore, in Asmara,
various international organisations, including representatives of UN
agencies in Eritrea, civil society, governments and the community
come together at events in Asmara expo grounds G3 hall to mark the
occasion and celebrate the achievements of people with disability.
The his keynote speech delivered on the occasion, by Mr Kahsai Gebrehiwet, Minister of Labour and Human welfare; (picture left) stated
that Government of the State of Eritrea is exerting all efforts possible
in investing to prevent disabilities and to ensure participation and access to equal opportunities for PWDs he added, the issue of disability can be tackled with the
active participation of communities in a community
based approach.
Similarly, Ms Ros K.
Ssebantindira, deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, (picture right) made remarks where she commended Government of the Stat of
Eritreas efforts towards the improvement of the livelihood
of persons with disabilities in the country. She also stated
in Eritrea, the UN System through various interventions
has been and continues to support and partner Government in this respect. In the current cooperation agreement (SPCF), through the Community Based Rehabilitation and Disaster Risk Reduction
programmes, support is provided towards; advocacy, sensitisation and attitude change towards disability; rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities; empowerment and creating equal opportunities;
and community mobilisation. Furthermore, the UN partners with Government in among other areas; prevention and response to injury and child disability; access to social services (for example, provision of donkeys to assist children with physical disabilities and hard-to-reach girls to go to school);
mine risk education, as well as strengthening the policy framework.
She also indicated readiness and commitment of the UN family in Eritrea, to build on the solid work
it is doing with the government to elevate the lives of persons with disabilities in Eritrea.
The event also included various musical and poem performances from children of schools dedicated
for the disabled.