We all agree that safeguarding the rights of women and physically disabled individuals is not only a matter of justice but a fundamental aspect of building a fair and inclusive society. These groups often face discrimination, marginalization, and lack of access to essential resources and services, which make their lives more challenging and inconvenient; and at the same time urge to take tangible measures that protect their rights and provide sustainable assistance.
Several documents confirm that women and physically disabled individuals have been the most exposed vulnerable groups in society for a number of reasons. They often encounter barriers that prevent them from fully participating in social, economic, and political life.
To avert such barriers, individuals and institutions as well as associations have been fighting for it, though the desired outcomes have not yet achieved. Due to this, experts in the area still encourage institutions and countries to safeguard the rights of women and disabled individuals because increasing the participation of these segments of the society and benefitting them has higher return to the overall development of the country. Making sure that women and disabled individuals have the same rights and opportunities as others is a fundamental human rights matter. Discrimination based on gender or some type of disabilities is a violation of these rights and must be addressed. Inclusive societies are stronger and more resilient. By safeguarding the rights of these groups, it is possible to make a difference – in achieving equal rights for all, promoting social cohesion and create environments where everyone can contribute to the common good.
Protecting the rights of women and disabled individuals helps them to access education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, leading to become productive and self-reliant economically, which is key to reducing poverty at individual, family, community and national levels.
Every individual deserves to live with dignity and respect. Safeguarding these rights ensures that women and disabled individuals are treated with the respect they deserve, free from violence, exploitation, and abuse.
Safeguarding the rights of women and physically disabled individuals is a critical step toward creating a more just and inclusive society. By implementing comprehensive legal protections, raising awareness, and providing sustainable assistance, we can ensure that these groups have the opportunities and support they need to thrive. It is the responsibility of governments, organizations, and communities to work together to protect these rights and build a future where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and independence.
To garner the aforementioned benefits, lately the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and UN Human Rights Commission in East Africa signed an agreement that enables the two to work together on the rights and protection of woman and disabled citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) said that, the agreement is a testament that shows government’s commitment to ensuring human rights, gender equality and social justice.
Whenever, there are some kinds of social crises, women, young girls, elderly and disabled people would be exposed to unparalleled problems. Further than this, gender-based violence, social discriminations, coupled with challenges in accessing basic services are impacting these segments of the society hugely, she added.
“The Ministry is striving to provide all inclusive social protection services to the physically disabled persons and elderly citizens, as well as safeguarding the rights and security of children, at the same time enhancing the participation and benefits of women and youth people.
However, to ensure social justice and achieve tangible outcomes in the efforts, the active involvement and commitment of all pertinent bodies and stakeholders is of critical importance. All actors need to come together, cooperate and work determinedly to bring the desired outcome, according to the Minister.
These groups often face discrimination, marginalization, and lack of access to essential resources, making it crucial to implement measures that protect their rights and provide sustainable assistance.
This cooperative framework will also show Ethiopia’s determination to protecting the human rights and the overall safety of women, disabled people and the like vulnerable citizens as well as to ensuring gender-equality and social justice.
Along with this, the agreement could serve as a roadmap to reinforce the rule of law, equality and accountability as well as to translate internationally signed agreements to the ground, she added.
Mentioning that, the agreement could further strengthen the cooperation and coordination of the two institutes [the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the UN Human Rights Commission in East Africa]; the Minister extended her gratitude to the Institute for the comprehensive support it has been providing to this point.
Representative for UN Human Rights Commission in East Africa, Marsele Kilemetakohofo also said that, the steps taken by the government of Ethiopia to protect the human rights of citizens are encouraging.
He further noted that, the UN Human Rights Commission plays an indispensable role in promoting and protecting human rights in East Africa. Through its monitoring, advocacy, capacity-building, and humanitarian efforts, the Commission works to address the complex and varied human rights challenges faced by the region. While challenges remain inevitable, the UNHRC’s continued engagement, in collaboration with regional partners and civil society, is crucial for building a future where the rights of all individuals in East Africa are respected and upheld.
The agreement will also support the efforts carried out to protect human rights and sustain accountability. The UN will work with due emphasis for the successful realization of the agreement and will provide the required assistance, the Representative affirmed.
The agreement will last for three years and during these periods activities including capacity building, system devising, awareness raising and mobilization will be the core pillars of the accord, it was learnt.
Representatives of the two parties also vowed to join hands and further strengthen the activities that have already begun so that; make them successful.
Currently, with the cooperation of the two institutes, the preparations of the national woman rights protection guideline and comprehensive law for disabled persons are underway, as per the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2024
