In the DRC, people with disabilities are now protected and cared for by law
Irène Isambo is the very first minister in charge of people living with disabilities in the DRC.
Here during the signing of the decree by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Public Service.
© RFI/Pascal Mulegwa
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The DRC has just adopted for the first time a law on the protection, care and inclusion in society of people with disabilities.
A civil society battle since 2006. The text was presented yesterday at a ceremony in Kinshasa.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,
Pascal Mulegwa
On occasion, 400 tricycles were distributed to people with reduced mobility in the presence of some members of the government.
The new text broadens the notion of disability.
In addition to already recognized physical disabilities such as low vision, deafness and mental disability, the law now includes albinos and people with autism.
All will benefit from public transport at reduced cost.
The authorities want this law to put an end to the marginalization of these people.
“
We asked the Prime Minister to issue a decree which will determine the quota and the rate of representation of people with disabilities in public institutions such as the civil service and private law bodies.
To encourage this promotion of people with disabilities, the law has instituted administrative, customs and tax facilities that can benefit all people or all institutions that promote people with disabilities", explains Irene Sambo, the Minister Delegate in charge of people with disabilities
. disabilities.
A provision of this text provides for the creation of specialized schools and establishments for the implementation of this law.
A first step hailed by several civil society organizations.
Among them, the NGO specializing in public finance, CREFDL, of which Valery Madianga is the coordinator.
“
For us, this is a welcome initiative.
In our country, we are used to presenting laws that suffer from application.
These should be enforceable.
»
To deal with the financing of this law, the Prime Minister must, by decree, create a national fund supplied by the Public Treasury and other external partners.
To date, at least 15% of the Congolese population lives with a disability.
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