The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) has called for coordinated stakeholder action to advance Ethiopia’s ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP), emphasizing its importance in strengthening the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, particularly children.
The call was made during an advocacy session bringing together government representatives, human rights organizations, civil society, development partners, and child-led disability rights groups.
Organized under the Civil Society Strengthening Program for Children’s Rights (CSSPCR), implemented by ECDD with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through Save the Children International in Ethiopia, the session explored institutional responsibilities and pathways for advancing ratification.
Adopted by the African Union in Addis Ababa and entering into force in June 2024, the African Disability Protocol provides a continental framework for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including women, children, and youth.
Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment
Speaking at the session, ECDD Program Director Legassu Leulseged highlighted ECDD’s role in facilitating stakeholder engagement and strengthening advocacy for ratification.
“ECDD’s role is to facilitate stakeholders and enhance advocacy to urge the ratification. We would like to see an inclusive Ethiopia.”
The session moderator, Rigbe Gebrehawaria, former Commissioner for Women, Children, Older Persons, and Disability Rights at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy and the Protocol’s relevance to the African context.
Representing the Disability Directorate of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Sisay Tilahun underscored that disability rights are a shared responsibility and proposed establishing an advocacy team to maintain momentum toward ratification.
Yinebeb Tamir of Save the Children and members of the Addis Ababa Child-Led Disability Rights Group also reaffirmed their support for advancing the rights of children with disabilities and called for continued government action.
The session concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s ratification of the African Disability Protocol through coordinated advocacy and sustained engagement.
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