Advocating for the Rights of People with Disabilities

Themenfeld: Policy Dialogue

Policy Dialogue

Human Rights & Civ. Soc.

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Co-financing

problem & solution

Before 2017, there was no action advocating for the rights of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Biharamulo District despite clear challenges faced by them. While grants for social groups (women, PWDs and youths) were already enshrined in policies, there was no legal obligation to allocate these resources. Likewise there was no specific allocation to each group, which resulted in women and youth being favoured over PWDs.

The solution was to team up with other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and advocate for PWDs with duty bearers and to build their capacity.

THE EXPERIence

In 2017, HLDD started an advocacy campaign for the rights of PWDs in Biharamulo District. HLDD made a census to identify the number and kinds of disabilities in the district and raised awareness among right holders and duty bearers.
HLDD also analysed the policy issues hindering the effective enjoyment of their rights by PWDs and identified lack of access to loans as a major constraint.
There were round table discussions with relevant stakeholders and joint lobbying interactions together with other CSOs promoting PWD rights.
Jointly, they persuaded the Parliamentary Committee on Social Services to amend the law and establish an obligation to local governments to allocate 2% of their quarterly internal collections specifically to PWDs groups.

01

Challenges

01

Benefit fraud by people pretending to have disabilities
Low capacity of PWDs in handling public grants

02

Impact

02

Access to finance helped PWDs venture into business
PWD-friendly renovation of public buildings
3 primary schools for children with disabilities
Increased number of road signs for PWDs

03

Lessons Learned

03

Unity & Solidarity among CSOs heighten influence in lobbying for policy changes
Strong community groups are needed for successful lobbying
Group formation should be supported, not directed top-down

Umsetzungszeitraum 2017 – 2020

Ort Rulenge, Tansania

Kontakt Diocese Secretary

Partner Organisation - Rulenge Ngara Diocese - The Department of Human Life Defence, Justice and Peace Section HLDD

The Diocese of Rulenge Ngara, which implements development projects in Ngara, Biharamulo and Chato districts, is a proven implementation partner of HORIZONT3000. The Hu-man Life Defense Department has many years of extensive experience in implementing community-related projects.