What is the African Disability Protocol?

The African Disability Protocol (ADP) is the first human rights treaty addressing discrimination faced by people with disabilities in African countries.

It goes beyond existing African human rights instruments by addressing issues such as harmful practices, beliefs, and superstitions that disproportionately impact persons with disabilities. By adopting a social and human rights approach, the ADP recognizes the unique lived experiences of persons with disabilities in Africa.

Its creation was influenced by the African Union’s commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities, which began with the declaration of the African Decade for Persons with Disabilities in 1999.

This protocol has been ratified by some countries in the African Union – including Uganda, but not including Ghana and Tanzania. The aim is to ratify the protocol in the countries where it has not been, and make sure it is implemented where it has. 

Why support the African Disability Protocol?

Implementing the ADP can lead to meaningful change for people with disabilities in Africa. These are some of the ways it aims to make change:

  1. Advocacy for Rights: The protocol aims to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities in Africa. Activists can ensure that the protocol addresses their real needs and concerns.
  2. Inclusive Policy Development: Disability activists can contribute to creating inclusive policies and frameworks that reflect the lived experiences of people with disabilities.
  3. Awareness and Education: Activists can raise awareness about the ADP and educate both the public and policymakers on the importance of its ratification, helping to build broader support.
  4. Monitoring and Implementation: Once the protocol is ratified, activists can play a crucial role in monitoring its implementation, holding governments accountable, and ensuring it is enforced.
  5. Empowerment: Involvement in the ratification process empowers people with disabilities and their allies by giving them a platform to voice their concerns and influence policy at a continental level.
  6. Solidarity and Networking: Activists can build networks and foster solidarity among disability rights groups across Africa, strengthening the movement and enhancing collective advocacy efforts.
  7. Improving Quality of Life: By advocating for the ADP, activists contribute to creating a more inclusive society, which can lead to improved quality of life and greater accessibility and opportunity.

How to advocate for the African Disability Protocol.

Disability activists can play a crucial role in advocating for the ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) in their specific countries. Here are some strategies they can use:

  1. Education and Awareness: Conduct public campaigns to raise awareness about the ADP and its significance. Organize educational sessions for the public and government officials to highlight the importance of the ADP.
  2. Coalition Building: Build partnerships with other disability organizations, human rights groups, and civil society organizations to create a unified voice, and network to gain support and resources.
  3. Engage with Policymakers: Regularly meet with government officials, legislators, and policymakers to advocate for the ratification of the ADP. Develop and distribute policy briefs that clearly outline the benefits of the ADP.
  4. Media Campaigns: Utilize traditional and social media platforms to run campaigns highlighting personal stories and the broader impact of the ADP. Issue press releases to keep the media informed.
  5. Legal Action: Consider legal avenues to pressure the government if there are existing laws or international commitments that support disability rights but are not being implemented.
  6. Public Mobilization: Organize peaceful protests, rallies, and demonstrations to draw public and governmental attention to the issue. Create and circulate petitions to gather public support and demonstrate support.
  7. Research and Documentation: Gather and disseminate data on the status and needs of persons with disabilities to strengthen the case for ratification. Publish reports that highlight gaps in current disability rights protections.
  8. Monitoring and Accountability: Track Progress by monitoring the government’s commitments and progress towards ratification and implementation of the ADP. Hold officials publicly accountable for delays.
  9. Capacity Building: Provide training for activists and community leaders. Develop and distribute resources that can help individuals and organizations in their advocacy efforts.