Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Thirty-first session
Geneva, 12 August–5 September 2024
Item 5 of the provisional agenda
Consideration of reports submitted by parties to
the Convention under article 35
Replies of Ghana to the list of issues in relation to its initial report *
[Date received: 12 June 2024]
Introduction
1.Ghana has taken steps to implement measures towards disability inclusion in national development in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; since the submission of its initial report in 2018. Most of the innovations geared toward the removal of systemic barriers are socio-economic in nature therefore, the impact on the lives of persons with disabilities generally is progressive.
2.We share with you some of the notable measures implemented from 2018 to date towards disability systemic inclusion in Ghana:
I.Policy strengthening
3.The following Guidelines, Frameworks and Strategies have been developed, sensitized and being implemented to strengthen disability systemic inclusion. Remarkably persons with disabilities and their representatives from organizations of and for persons with disabilities remain part of the stakeholder’s consultations, focus group discussions, validations and they sometimes served as facilitators during such meetings:
(i)Developed and Launched the Framework and Strategy for Disability Mainstreaming in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies of Ghana. Most Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana are being guided by the Framework and Strategies in their day-to-day governance administration, policy planning and implementation towards inclusive development at the local governance level;
(ii)The National Development Planning Commission requested the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to make inputs into the National Medium Term Development Policy Framework, NMTDPF (2022-2025). The Ministry tasked the National Council on Persons with Disability and disability technical inputs were made into all the focus areas of the NMTDPF (2022-2025). Because disability is a cross-cutting matter, The Policy Framework is guiding Ministries, Departments and Agencies in systemic disability inclusion with respect to their mandated service deliveries;
(iii)Flowing from above, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Sector Medium Term Development Plan informed the development of the Council’s first ever Medium-Term Development Plan (2022-2025); currently being implemented;
(iv)The Exemptions Act 2022, (1083) has strengthened the exemptions of customs duties and taxes on items such as books, educational or scientific cultural advancements, vehicles specially designed, adapted or modified etc. for use by persons with disabilities;
(v)Developed DVLA Guidelines on Testing and Training Drivers with Disabilities. Currently, the Guidelines has created the platform for qualified drivers with disabilities to be able to access driver licensing services provided by the Authority and their associated privileges;
(vi)The Ghana Digital Acceleration Project- digital skills and jobs for persons with disabilities currently being implemented focus on tailored digital skills training for persons with disabilities to promote independent living, entrepreneurship and enhance their employability. At the end of the implementation period (2027), 8000 persons with disabilities will benefit from the project. The project prioritizes the upgrading of Government’s e-portals to meet accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities and the provision of IT devices;
(vii)Developed the National Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Guidelines currently being implemented by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other disaster risk management agencies. Currently, persons with disabilities are deliberately targeted before, during and after disasters as guided by the Guidelines;
(viii)Public Services Commission approved the novel Scheme of Service reflecting the Council’s Disability Technical Mandate of Act 715.The Scheme of Service has also approved Ghanaian Sign language interpretation as a profession with career progression.
4.The Persons with Disability Act 2006, (Act 715) is being reviewed to comply with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and we currently have the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024.
II.Trainings, Sensitizations and Engagements with Stakeholders
5.Over the period, there have been cross-sectoral trainings, sensitizations and engagements with stakeholders including representatives from organizations of and for persons with disabilities on disability systemic inclusion activities:
(i)Senior officers from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Ashanti Region and the Greater Accra Region on the Ghana Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment;
(ii)MMDAs officials across the country on the provision of Ghanaian Sign Language to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing during programs and activities;
(iii)High level engagement with stakeholders in the Extractive Industry on job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the extractive sector:
III.Purpose & general obligations (arts. 1–4)
Reply to paragraph 1 (a) of the list of issues (CRPD/C/GHA/Q/1)
6.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 84 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Derogatory Portrayal of persons with disabilities:
“84 (1) A person shall not:
(a) call a person with disability derogatory names or use derogatory language against a person with disability; or
(b) publish through any medium, a publication that portrays persons with disabilities in a demeaning manner”.”
7.These provisions will trigger the removal of these derogatory terms from the Country’s Policies and Regulations.
Reply to paragraph 1 (b) of the list of issues
8.The activities undertaken and planned towards disability inclusion are found in Ghana’s National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (NMTDPF) 2022-2025. Disability has been mainstreamed across all policy dimensions and focus areas of the NMTDPF. The NMTDPF also has a specific disability focus area termed as Disability Inclusive Development Focus Area.
9.The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection’s Sector Medium Term Plan 2022-2025 contains the disability component of the NMTDPF from which the Council’s Development Plan 2022-2025 has been drawn:
•The sources of the Council’s funding are:
•Moneys provided by Parliament;
•Donations, grants, and
•Any other moneys that are approved by the Minister responsible for Finance, with the approval of Parliament.
Reply to paragraph 1 (c) of the list of issues
10.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed and the Parliamentary process is about to kickstart. Article 89 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provided for the definition of persons with disabilities under Interpretations:
“persons with disabilities” means an individual with a physical, mental or sensory impairment which gives rise to physical, cultural or social barriers that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that individual;” .
Reply to paragraph 1 (d) of the list of issues
11.The elaborate and adopted action plan is Ghana’s National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (NMTDPF) 2022-2025. Disability has been mainstreamed across all policy dimensions and focus areas of the NMTDPF. The NMTDPF also has a specific disability focus area termed as Disability Inclusive Development Focus Area.
12.The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection’s Sector Medium Term Plan 2022-2025 contains the disability component of the NMTDPF from which the Council’s Development Plan 2022-2025 has been drawn.
Reply to paragraph 1 (e) of the list of issues
13.Some of the consultations conducted withpersons with disabilities through their representative organizations on the design and monitoring of legislation, policies, programmes, regulations and other relevant measures, including those that focus on the rights of persons with disabilities include:
•The review of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) from the inauguration of the Technical Committee for the Review of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) on which persons with disabilities and representatives from organizations of and for persons with disabilities were represented;
•The broad consultations on the review of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715);
•The national validation of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024;
•Feedback engagement with organizations of and for persons with disabilities on the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024;
•The Framework and Strategies for Disability mainstreaming in the MMDAs;
•The DVLA Guidelines for Testing and Training Drivers with Disabilities;
•The National Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Guidelines.
Reply to paragraph 1 (f) of the list of issues
14.Ghana has signed to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa.
15.The Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection has initiated the ratification process and asked the Council to incorporate the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of persons with Disabilities into the Persons with Disabilities Bill.
IV.Specific rights (arts. 5–30)
Equality and non-discrimination (art. 5)
Reply to paragraph 2 (a) of the list of issues
16.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 32 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to Equality and non-discrimination:
“32 (1) A person with disability is entitled to recognition before the law on an equal basis with others in the social, cultural, economic, civil and political aspects of life.” .
Reply to paragraph 2 (b) of the list of issues
17.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 50 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rights of women with disabilities:
“50 (1) Every woman with disability has a right to the enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination on an equal basis with others, including :
(a) the right to participate in social, economic and political decision making and other related activities;
(b) protection from sexual and gender-based violence with respect to the disability of that person;
(c) provision of habilitation, rehabilitation and psychosocial support against sexual and gender-based violence;
(d) sexual and reproductive health services;
(e) the right to retain and control the fertility of the woman with disability;
(f) the right to keep a child and not be deprived of the child on grounds of disability; and
(g) the right to full development, advancement and empowerment.
(2) The rights and needs of women and girls with disabilities shall be mainstreamed in all gender related policies, programs, plans and budgets.
(3) Social protection programs shall ensure the inclusion and targeting of women and girls with disabilities where applicable.
(4) Women with disabilities and mothers of children with disabilities in employment shall be allowed flexible working hours depending on the situation and category of disability and needs.
(5) Women and girls with disabilities shall be entitled to participate in public decision-making at all levels.
(6) Disability gender audits shall be conducted by the Commission every year to monitor and track progress of the implementation of the rights of women with disabilities.
(7) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to an administrative penalty of not less fifty penalty units and not more than two thousand penalty units.” .
Reply to paragraph 2 (c) of the list of issues
18.The services from Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, National Labour Commission, Labour Department, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) attached to the court systems and the courts offer legal remedies to persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 2 (d) of the list of issues
19.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“…
(i) Persons with disabilities;
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities. ”.
Reply to paragraph 2 (e) of the list of issues
20.There is an establishment of the Human Rights Division of the High Court which specializes in hearing cases related to human rights and discrimination
21.The Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560) makes specific provisions for the non-discrimination of children with disabilities.
22.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 32 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to equality and non-discrimination:
“32 (1) A person with disability is entitled to recognition before the law on an equal basis with others in the social, cultural, economic, civil and political aspects of life.” .
Women with disabilities (art. 6)
Reply to paragraph 3 (a) of the list of issues
23.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 50 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rights of women with disabilities :
“50 (1) Every woman with disability has a right to the enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination on an equal basis with others, including :
(a) the right to participate in social, economic and political decision making and other related activities;
(b) protection from sexual and gender-based violence with respect to the disability of that person;
(c) provision of habilitation, rehabilitation and psychosocial support against sexual and gender-based violence;
(d) sexual and reproductive health services;
(e) the right to retain and control the fertility of the woman with disability;
(f) the right to keep a child and not be deprived of the child on grounds of disability; and
(g) the right to full development, advancement and empowerment.
(2) The rights and needs of women and girls with disabilities shall be mainstreamed in all gender related policies, programs, plans and budgets.
(3) Social protection programs shall ensure the inclusion and targeting of women and girls with disabilities where applicable.
(4) Women with disabilities and mothers of children with disabilities in employment shall be allowed flexible working hours depending on the situation and category of disability and needs.
(5) Women and girls with disabilities shall be entitled to participate in public decision-making at all levels.
(6) Disability gender audits shall be conducted by the Commission every year to monitor and track progress of the implementation of the rights of women with disabilities.
(7) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to an administrative penalty of not less fifty penalty units and not more than two thousand penalty units.” .
24.Additionally, the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection took the following measures in increasing access to women and girls with disabilities:
•Registered all LEAP beneficiaries including Persons with Disabilities onto the National Health Insurance Scheme and Conducted 6 cycles of LEAP cash grants payments to 344,023 households;
•Tracked and evaluated the management and disbursement of common funds for Persons with Disabilities at the MMDAs which includes women and girls with disabilities;
•Promotion of Free Health Screening for Persons with Disabilities in all MMDAs.
Reply to paragraph 3 (c) of the list of issues
25.The Department of Gender engaged on sensitization on Adolescent Reproductive Health Rights and Harmful Practices: Recognizing the importance of adolescent reproductive health rights including those with disabilities, the government embarked on a public sensitization campaign. This initiative aimed to educate and raise awareness among the population about the rights of adolescents, including issues related to sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, harmful practices such as child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) were addressed, emphasizing the need to eradicate such practices and promote a safe and supportive environment for those with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 3 (d) of the list of issues
26.The establishment of the Gender with disabilities Unit at the Council.
Children with disabilities (art. 7)
Reply to paragraph 4 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
27.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 51 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rights of children with disabilities:
“51 (1) Every child with disability has a right and freedom on an equal basis with other children with respect to :
(a) a name and registration immediately after birth;
(b) right to paternity including the right to be cared for and maintained by the father;
(c) right to live with the family, regardless of the disability;
(d) right to participate in sports, social and recreational activities;
(e) protection from abuse, exploitation and neglect;
(f) right to life, human development of their physical and mental potential;
(g) access to social protection programs;
(h) evolving capacities and identity and to enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which promote and ensure dignity, self-reliance and independence;
(i) freedom to express the views of that person on all matters affecting the person; and
(j) age appropriate assistance to realize the rights of that person.
(2) A parent, guardian or caretaker of a child with disability who :
(a) confines, abandons or neglects a child with a disability; or
(b) fails to provide the necessaries of life including maintenance; or
(c) violates the rights of a child with disability
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three months and not more than one year or to both.” .
Reply to paragraph 4 (c) of the list of issues
28.The Common Fund for Persons with Disabilities has a quota that have been allocated for caregivers with disabilities which is to ensure that the needs of their children with disabilities are met.
Awareness-raising (art. 8)
Reply to paragraph 5 of the list of issues
29.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 76 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Raising awareness:
“76 (1) The Ministry shall adopt measures to :
(a) raise awareness throughout the country with regard to matters concerning persons with disabilities;
(2) For purposes of subsection (1), the Ministry shall:
(a) initiate and maintain effective public awareness campaigns designed to nurture reception of the rights of persons with disabilities;
(b) promote positive perception and greater social awareness towards persons with disabilities;”.
Accessibility (art. 9)
Reply to paragraph 6 (a) of the list of issues
30.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 39 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to public places or premises:
“39 (1) The owner or occupier of premises to which the public has access shall ensure that the place is accessible to persons with disabilities.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an owner or occupier of a premises to which the public has access shall :
(a) provide accessible facilities including ramps, rails, elevators, wheelchair- accessible doorways, flashlights and braille to facilitate access to the premises for persons with disabilities;
(b) ensure that the premises comply with the National Accessibility Standard on the Built Environment, the Building Regulations, 2022 (LI 2465) and any other relevant laws.
(3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than four years or to both.” .
31.The Ministry of Works and Housing has facilitated the promulgation of a Regulatory Instrument, the Building Regulations, 2022 with Legislative Instrument (LI) 2465 which has incorporated sound standards of the Ghana Building Codes, thus the Ghana Accessibility Standard has been incorporated into this recent Building Regulations for the approving authorities
Reply to paragraph 6 (b) of the list of issues
32.Persons with disabilities through their representative organizations do accessibility audits of the built environment.
Reply to paragraph 6 (c) of the list of issues
33.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Articles 65-70 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Transportation.
34.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“48 (1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services.” .
35.The National Communication Authority as part of its rollout from Analogue Terrestrial Television to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) has taken measures to make GTV news broadcasts accessible to the deaf.
Reply to paragraph 6 (d) of the list of issues
36.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“48 (1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services.” .
37.The Ghana Aids Commission conversed the HIV educational materials on HIV testing and counselling services and condom use into braille.
Right to life (art. 10)
Reply to paragraph 7 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
38.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 28 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to life:
“28(1 ) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of the right to life on the grounds of the disability of the person with disability .
(2) A person shall not terminate the life of an unborn baby with disability on the grounds of the disability of the unborn baby.” .
Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies (art. 11)
Reply to paragraph 8 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
39.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 42 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Protection and safety during emergency or humanitarian crises:
“42 (1) A person with disability is entitled to prioritized, suitable and specialized protection and safety in the event of an emergency or a humanitarian crisis.” .
40.The National Council on Persons with Disability in Collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization developed the National Disability Disaster Risk Management Guidelines. The Guidelines ensures that persons with disabilities are prioritize before, during and after disaster risk response.
Reply to paragraph 8 (c) of the list of issues
41.The National Council on Persons with Disability in Collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization and the organizations of and for persons with disabilities developed the National Disability Disaster Risk Management Guidelines which ensures that before, during and after disaster risk occurrence, disaster risk response managers collaborate with organizations of and for persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 9 of the list of issues
42.The National Disability Disaster Risk Management Guidelines has been developed to augment the existing disaster management framework.
Equal recognition before the law (art. 12)
Reply to paragraph 10 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
43.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 43 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Legal capacity:
“43 (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of legal capacity on the grounds of the disability of the person with disability.” .
Reply to paragraph 10 (c) of the list of issues
44.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 43 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Legal capacity which ensures support services:
“43 (3) A person with disability is entitled to support services to enable the person with disability exercise legal capacity.
(6) A person with disability may, where necessary, under the guidance of the principle of supported decision making provide advance directives on a matter that is to be implemented.” .
Reply to paragraph 10 (d) of the list of issues
45.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 43 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Legal capacity:
“(2) A person with disability has the right to
(a) own and dispose of property;
(b) inherit property;
(c) control the financial affairs of that person; and
(d) enter into a contract or any other related transaction.”.
Access to justice (art. 13)
Reply to paragraph 11 (a) of the list of issues
46.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 38 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to justice:
“38 (2) Where a person with disability is a party in judicial proceedings or customary arbitration, the adjudicating body or arbitral body shall :
(a) take into account the condition of the person with disability; and
(b) provide facilities, including reasonable accommodation, that enable the person with disability to participate effectively in the proceedings.
(3) A person with disability is entitled to legal aid services on an equal basis with other persons.” .
Reply to paragraph 11 (c) of the list of issues
47.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 47 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Arrest and detention:
“47 (4) The Commission shall :
(a) collaborate with the relevant agency to include disability related modules in the curricula for the training of law enforcement personnel;
(b) develop a standard training manual on the treatment of persons with disabilities by law enforcement authorities; and
(c) award certificates to a law enforcement officer upon completion of the training under paragraph (b).”.
Liberty and security of the person (art. 14)
Reply to paragraph 12 (a) of the list of issues
48.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 47 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Arrest and detention:
“47 (1) A police officer or a person authorized by law shall, upon the arrest and detention of a person with disability, provide reasonable accommodation and appropriate measures to make the place of detention accessible to the person with disability.
(2) A law enforcement authority shall ensure that a person with disability who is arrested, restricted or detained is informed, in a manner that the person with disability understands, of :
(a) the reason for the arrest, restriction or detention; and
(b) the right to a lawyer”.
Reply to paragraph 12 (b) of the list of issues
49.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 35 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to medical care:
“35 (6) A person shall not perform a medical procedure on a person with disability without the free and informed consent of the
(a) person with disability; or
(b) parent, where the person with disability is a child.”.
Reply to paragraph 12 (c) of the list of issues
50.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 31 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Living independently in the community:
“31 (1) A person with disability has the right to :
(a) live in a community and have choices equal to the choices of others in the community;
(b) full inclusion and participation in the community by taking effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment of life in the community by the right:
(i) to choose a place of residence and with whom to live on an equal basis with others;
(ii) not to be compelled to live in a particular living arrangement;”.
Reply to paragraph 12 (d) of the list of issues
51.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i) Persons with disabilities and
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities. ”.
Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (art. 15)
Reply to paragraph 13 (a), (b) (c) and (d) of the list of issues
52.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 33 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment:
“33 (1) A person shall not subject a person with disability to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
(2) A person shall not subject :
(a) a person with psychosocial disability, or
(b) a child with learning disability or developmental disability to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or other degrading treatment or punishment.”.
Reply to paragraph 13 (e) of the list of issues
53.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 33 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment:
“ 33 (1) A person shall not subject a person with disability to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
(2) A person shall not subject:
(a) a person with psychosocial disability, or
(b) a child with learning disability or developmental disability to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or other degrading treatment or punishment.
(3) A person shall not, without the free and informed consent of a person with disability, subject the person with disability to :
(a) medical or scientific research; or
(b) sterilisation.
(4) Where a person with disability is not able to give free and informed consent under subsection (3), the principle of supported decision making applies.
(5) A person who seeks to conduct or publish a research on disability related matters shall obtain clearance in the form set out in the First Schedule from the Commission in addition to any other approvals required from a relevant body. ”.
54.These provisions will trigger the establishment of a national mechanism for the prevention of torture.
Reply to paragraph 14 of the list of issues
55.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i ) Persons with disabilities
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities .”.
Freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse (art. 16)
Reply to paragraph 15 (a) of the list of issues
56.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 34 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Protection from abuse, exploitation and violence:
“34 (1) A person shall not subject a person with disability to any form of:
(a) abuse;
(b) neglect ;
(c) exploitation;
(d) violence;
(e) begging; or
(f) sterilisation or abortion without free and informed consent of the person with disability.
(2) A person who has reason to suspect that a person with disability is being subjected to any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, begging or sterilization without free and informed consent may inform the Police.
(3) For purposes of this section, “violence or abuse” includes gender-based violence, domestic violence, physical violence, psychological violence, emotional violence and seizure of assistive technology and assistive devices of a person with disability.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than two thousand penalty units and not more than eight thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than four months and not more than six months or to both. ”.
Reply to paragraph 15 (b) of the list of issues
57.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“ 48 (1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services .
(3) A person who provides an information communication technology service to the public shall put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the service is accessible to a person with disability. ”.
Reply to paragraph 15 (c) of the list of issues
58.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i ) Persons with disabilities
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities .”.
Protecting the integrity of the person (art. 17)
Reply to paragraph 16 of the list of issues
59.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 33 and Article 34 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024 has provisions on Prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment and Protection from abuse, exploitation and violence:
“ 33 (3) A person shall not, without the free and informed consent of a person with disability, subject the person with disability to :
(a) medical or scientific research; or
(b) sterilization.
34 (1) A person shall not subject a person with disability to any form of
(a) abuse;
(b) neglect ;
(c) exploitation;
(d) violence;
(e) begging; or
(f) sterilisation or abortion without free and informed consent of the person with disability.”.
Liberty of movement and nationality (art. 18)
Reply to paragraph 17 (a) of the list of issues
60.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 3 on the Functions of the Commission of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on the issuance of disability cards to persons with disabilities in collaboration with the relevant authority:
“ 3(g) issue disability identity cards to persons with disabilities in collaboration with the relevant authorities; ”.
61.This provision will trigger the integration of requirements of persons with disabilities into the national identification system.
Reply to paragraph 17 (b) and (c) of the list of issues
62.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 44 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rights to documents of registration:
“ 44 A person shall not deprive a person with disability of access to :
(a) a birth certificate;
(b) a national identification card;
(c) a disability card;
(d) a passport; or
(e) any other document of registration or identity.”.
Living independently and being included in the community (art. 19)
Reply to paragraph 18 (a) of the list of issues
63.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 31 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Living independently in the community:
“ 31(1) A person with disability has the right to :
(a) live in a community and have choices equal to the choices of others in the community;
(b) full inclusion and participation in the community by taking effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment of life in the community by the right:
(i) to choose a place of residence and with whom to live on an equal basis with others;
(ii) not to be compelled to live in a particular living arrangement;
31(4) The Commission shall develop a mechanism for accessing support services for the purpose of creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. ”.
64.These provisions will trigger the adoption of the national framework.
Reply to paragraph 18 (b) of the list of issues
65.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 31 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Living independently in the community:
“ 31(2) A community service and a facility for the public shall be responsive to the needs of a person with disability.
(3) A person with disability is entitled to :
(a) an independent living;
(b) support services; and
(c) access to a range of in-home services, including caregiving and personal assistance in order to facilitate inclusion and equal treatment in the community.”.
66.These provisions provide for the legal framework for ensuring the provision of community-based services.
Reply to paragraph 18 (c) of the list of issues
67.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“ 48(1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services .
(3) A person who provides an information communication technology service to the public shall put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the service is accessible to a person with disability.
(4) A person who provides information to the public through a medium including television, radio or a social media platform shall ensure that the information is accessible to persons with disabilities. ”.
Reply to paragraph 18 (d) and (e) of the list of issues
68.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 31 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Living independently in the community, and is entitled to services provided by a district or an institution to which the public has access:
“ 31(1) A person with disability has the right to :
(a) live in a community and have choices equal to the choices of others in the community;
(b) full inclusion and participation in the community by taking effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment of life in the community by the right:
(i) to choose a place of residence and with whom to live on an equal basis with others;
(ii) not to be compelled to live in a particular living arrangement;
31(4) The Commission shall develop a mechanism for accessing support services for the purpose of creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. ”.
Personal mobility (art. 20)
Reply to paragraph 19 (a) of the list of issues
69.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 83 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Incentives for manufactures of technical aids and equipment:
“ 83. (1) A person who :
(a) manufactures in the country; or
(b) imports into the country
a technical aid or a technical appliance for the use of persons with disabilities shall be given tax exemption that the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, may determine.”.
70.The Exemptions Act 2020 (Act 1083) makes exemptions for manufacturers of assistive technology devices.
Reply to paragraph 19 (b) of the list of issues
71.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 37 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Training of health professionals:
“37. (1) The Ministry of Health and other institutions that provide healthcare training shall, in collaboration with the Commission include the study of disability and disability related issues in the curricula of training institutions for health professionals to develop appropriate human resource to provide general and specialised rehabilitation and habilitation services.
(2) An institution specified under subsection (1) shall ensure that the curricula on disability and disability related issues are updated regularly.”.
Reply to paragraph 19 (c) of the list of issues
72.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 27 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on providing mobility aids to persons with disabilities outside the education system under the Disbursement of the Fund:
“ To achieve the object of the Fund, moneys from the Fund shall be applied to
(a) provide for assistive technology and assistive devices for persons with disabilities;”.
Reply to paragraph 19 (d) of the list of issues
73.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 83 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Incentives for manufactures of technical aids and equipment:
“ 83. (1) A person who :
(a) manufactures in the country; or
(b) imports into the country a technical aid or a technical appliance for the use of persons with disabilities shall be given tax exemption that the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, may determine.”.
74.The Exemptions Act 2020 (Act 1083) makes exemptions for manufacturers of assistive technology devices.
Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information (art. 21)
Reply to paragraph 20 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
75.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“ 48. (1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services.
(2) The Ministers responsible for
(a) Information; and
(b) Communications and Digitalisation
shall put in place measures to ensure access to information by persons with disabilities.
(3) A person who provides an information communication technology service to the public shall put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the service is accessible to a person with disability.
(4) A person who provides information to the public through a medium including television, radio or a social media platform shall ensure that the information is accessible to persons with disabilities.
(5) Without limiting subsection (4), a person who provides information to the public shall provide the information through accessible formats including;
(a) braille;
(b) Ghanaian sign language;
(c) augmentative and alternative communication;
(d) live transcribe technology;
(e) tactile signage;
(f) easy read; and
(g) large print.”.
76.Currently, there are no guidelines on the use of appropriate and accessible forms of communication, including different languages.
Reply to paragraph 20 (c) of the list of issues
77.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“ 48. (4) A person who provides information to the public through a medium including television, radio or a social media platform shall ensure that the information is accessible to persons with disabilities. ”.
Reply to paragraph 20 (d) of the list of issues
78.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed.
79.Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to into information, communication and technology services:
“ 48. (5) Without limiting subsection (4), a person who provides information to the public shall provide the information through accessible formats including;
(a) braille;
(b) Ghanaian sign language;
(c) augmentative and alternative communication;
(d) live transcribe technology;
(e) tactile signage;
(f) easy read; and
(g) large print formation, communication and technology services.”.
80.Ghanaian Sign Languagehas been approved as a profession with career progression in the public sector.
Reply to paragraph 20 (e) of the list of issues
81.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 83 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Incentives for manufactures of technical aids and equipment:
“ 83. (1) A person who
(a) manufactures in the country; or
(b) imports into the country a technical aid or a technical appliance for the use of persons with disabilities shall be given tax exemption that the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, may determine.
(2) The Commission shall, each year, prepare and submit a list of technical aids and appliances to the Minister responsible for Finance for tax exemption.
(3) The Commission shall publish annually, a list of local manufacturers of technical aids or appliances for the use of persons with disabilities .”.
82.The Exemptions Act 2020 (Act 1083) makes exemptions for manufacturers of assistive technology devices.
Respect for privacy (art. 22)
Reply to paragraph 21 of the list of issues
83.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 35 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Article 41 has general provision on Rights to privacy for persons with disabilities:
“ 41. (1) A person with disability has a right to privacy.
(2) In accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) or any other relevant law, a person shall not subject a person with disability to unlawful interference with the privacy of the home, property, correspondence or communication. ”.
Respect for home and the family (art. 23)
Reply to paragraph 22 (a) of the list of issues
84.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 29 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to family life and social activities:
“ 29. (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of the right to :
(a) live with the family of the person with disability; or
(b) participate in social, political, economic, creative or recreational activities.”.
Reply to paragraph 22 (b) of the list of issues
85.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 50 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rights of women with disabilities and Article 35 on the Right to medical care on enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health rights:
“ 50. (1) (d) sexual and reproductive health services;
35. (7) A person with disability is entitled to the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health .”.
Reply to paragraph 22 (c) of the list of issues
86.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 29 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to family life and social activities:
“ 29. (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of the right to :
(a) live with the family of the person with disability; or
(b) Participate in social, political, economic, creative or recreational activities.”.
Education (art. 24)
Reply to paragraph 23 (a) of the list of issues
87.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 61 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Promotion of inclusive education and Article 62 Facilities and equipment in educational institutions:
“ 61. (1) The Government shall provide free education at all levels of education for a learner with disability.
(2) An educational institution shall not discriminate against a person with disability on grounds of disability.
(3) An educational institution that enrolls a person with disability shall provide inclusive learning programmes and facilities to enable a person with disability participate effectively.
62. (3) The Ministry of Education shall ensure the recognition and introduction of Ghanaian Sign Language as one of the Ghanaian languages in the curricula of all training institutions. ”.
Reply to paragraph 23 (b) of the list of issues
88.The Revised Inclusive Education Policy of Ghana 2024, has objectives of promoting and improving Inclusive Education philosophy and practice at all levels of the education system and the development of a well-informed and trained human resource cadre for the effective delivery of Inclusive Education at all levels of education in Ghana.
Reply to paragraph 23 (c) of the list of issues
89.The Revised Inclusive Education Policy of Ghana 2024, one of the activities under a policy objective is to transform and rebrand existing special schools to Resource and Transition Centres to assist mainstream and unit schools for learners with extensive and pervasive needs.
Reply to paragraph 23 (d) of the list of issues
90.The Revised Inclusive Education Policy of Ghana 2024, one of the policy objectives is to develop a resource mobilization plan for procuring technologies including assistive technologies for staff and learners with disabilities at all levels of education.
Reply to paragraph 23 (e) of the list of issues
91.The Revised Inclusive Education Policy of Ghana 2024, mandates the relevant stakeholders including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to allocate resources within the District Assembly Common Fund towards the implementation of inclusive education across all MMDAs.
Reply to paragraph 23 (f) of the list of issues
92.The National Council on Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and relevant institutions is in the process of developing Mathematics and Science curriculum for persons with visual impairment.
Health (art. 25)
Reply to paragraph 24 (a) of the list of issues
93.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 71 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Healthcare:
“ 71. (1) (d) the provision of accessible and subsidized healthcare services to persons with disabilities; ”.
Reply to paragraph 24 (c) of the list of issues
94.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 37 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Training of health professionals:
“ 37. (1) The Ministry of Health and other institutions that provide healthcare training shall, in collaboration with the Commission include the study of disability and disability related issues in the curricula of training institutions for health professionals to develop appropriate human resource to provide general and specialised rehabilitation and habilitation services. ”.
Habilitation and rehabilitation (art. 26)
Reply to paragraph 25 (a) of the list of issues
95.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 60 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rehabilitation and habilitation centres:
“ 60. (1) The Ministry shall establish rehabilitation and habilitation centres for persons with disabilities in each region and each district. ”.
Reply to paragraph 25 (b) of the list of issues
96.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 60 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Rehabilitation and habilitation centres:
“ 60. (2) (c) have in place effective and appropriate measures to enable a person with disability to attain and maintain maximum :
(i) independence,
(ii) full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and
(iii) full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life in order to live independently in the community.”.
Work and employment (art. 27)
Reply to paragraph 26 (a) of the list of issues
97.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 54 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Employment of persons with disabilities:
“ 54. (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of :
(a) the right to work;
(b) career advancement or;
(c) equal pay for equal work.
(2) Job advertisement shall be in accessible formats as specified under subsection (5) of section 48 and shall contain equal opportunity clauses
(4) An employer shall not discriminate against a prospective employee or an employee on grounds of disability unless the disability is in respect of the relevant employment.
(7) The Ministry responsible for Employment and Labour Relations shall
(a) in collaboration with the Commission
(i) provide strategies to secure jobs for persons with disabilities; and
(ii) ensure that persons with disabilities constitute a key target group for recruitment by public and private employment agencies; and
(b) adopt an Employment Equity Policy to promote the realisation of the right of persons with disabilities to employment, within one year after the coming into force of this Act.”.
Reply to paragraph 26 (b) of the list of issues
98.The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is in the process of refurbishing existing employment centres and building new ones which will cater for the employment needs of persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 26 (c) of the list of issues
99.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i ) Persons with disabilities ;
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities . ”.
Reply to paragraph 26 (d) of the list of issues
100.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 54 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Employment of persons with disabilities in relation to recruitment process, salary and benefits and provision of reasonable accommodation:
“ 54. (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of :
(a) the right to work;
(b) career advancement or;
(c) equal pay for equal work
(5) A person who employs a person with disability shall provide :
(a) the relevant working tools,
(b) appropriate facilities, and
(c) reasonable accommodation.
(7) The Ministry responsible for Employment and Labour Relations shall :
(a) in collaboration with the Commission
(i) provide strategies to secure jobs for persons with disabilities; and
(ii) ensure that persons with disabilities constitute a key target group for recruitment by public and private employment agencies. ”.
Adequate standard of living and social protection (art. 28)
Reply to paragraph 27 (a) of the list of issues
101.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 30 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Social Protection and adequate standard of living:
“ 30. (3)A person with disability is entitled to social protection benefits in line with the needs of the person with disability.
(4) The Commission shall, in consultation with the Minister responsible for Finance, pay an unemployed person with disability a monthly disability allowance.
(5) Without limiting subsection (4), a person with disability who works in the formal sector is entitled to retire on a disability allowance in addition to any other retirement benefit. ”.
Reply to paragraph 27 (b) of the list of issues
102.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i ) Persons with disabilities ;
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities .”
Reply to paragraph 27 (c) of the list of issues
103.The Re-assessment of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme benefit all persons with disabilities including persons with psychosocial disabilities and persons with intellectual disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 27 (d) of the list of issues
104.The Social Protection Bill, is to go through the parliamentary process.
Participation in political and public life (art. 29)
Reply to paragraph 28 (a) and (b) of the list of issues
105.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 45 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Civil and political rights:
“ 45. (1) A person with disability has a right to participate in political and public life, including the right to vote and be voted for with respect to a public office or a political office.
(2) The Electoral Commission shall provide appropriate measures to enable a person with disability exercise the right to vote or be voted for in an election.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the Electoral Commission shall ensure :
(a) the provision of facilities, reasonable accommodation and materials which are accessible and easy to use by persons with disabilities;
(b) the protection of the right of persons with disabilities to vote in secret without intimidation; and
(c) that a person with disability is able to vote with the assistance of a person determined by the person with disability.”.
Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (art. 30)
Reply to paragraph 29 (a) of the list of issues
106.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 48 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Access to information, communication and technology services:
“48 (1) A person with disability has the right to access information, communication and technology services.” .
Reply to paragraph 29 (b) of the list of issues
107.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 29 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Right to family life and social activities:
“ 29. (1) A person shall not deprive a person with disability of the right to :
(a) live with the family of the person with disability; or
(b) participate in social, political, economic, creative or recreational activities.”.
Reply to paragraph 29 (c) of the list of issues
108.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed. Article 76 of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on Raising awareness:
“76 (1) The Ministry shall adopt measures to :
(a) raise awareness throughout the country with regard to matters concerning persons with disabilities;
(2) For purposes of subsection (1), the Ministry shall :
(a) initiate and maintain effective public awareness campaigns designed to nurture reception of the rights of persons with disabilities;
(b) promote positive perception and greater social awareness towards persons with disabilities;”
V.Specific obligations (arts. 31–33)
Statistics and data collection (art. 31)
Reply to paragraph 30 (a) of the list of issues
109.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (h) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on promotes studies and research on issues of disability under the Functions of the Commission.
Reply to paragraph 30 (b), (c) and (d) of the list of issues
110.The Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) is being reviewed to strengthen the disaggregated data collection mandate of the Council. Article 3 (f) of the current Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, has provisions on collection of data under the Functions of the Commission to establish and maintain a register of:
“ (i ) Persons with disabilities
(ii) Organizations of and for persons with disabilities and institutions which provide training, rehabilitation services or support for persons with disabilities .”.
International cooperation (art. 32)
Reply to paragraph 31 (a) of the list of issues
111.The National Council on Persons with Disabilities refer organizations of and for persons with disabilities to international and regional organizations for collaborations.
Reply to paragraph 31 (b) of the list of issues
112.The National Council on Persons with Disabilities holds stakeholder engagements with organizations of and for persons to provide platforms for inputs into the design of disability-inclusive programmes, guidelines and legislations.
National implementation and monitoring (art. 33)
Reply to paragraph 32 (a) of the list of issues
113.Preamble of The Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) is to provide for related matters:
“ Section 42, (2)(1) To achieve the object, the Council shall
1. monitor and evaluate disability policies and programmes, ”.
Reply to paragraph 32 (b) of the list of issues
114.The National Council on Persons with Disability plays the role of the State Agency responsible for disability matters and systemic inclusion.
Reply to paragraph 32 (c) of the list of issues
115.Preamble of The Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) is to provide for related matters:
“ Section 42, (2)(1) To achieve the object, the Council shall
1. monitor and evaluate disability policies and programmes .”