December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed in Togo
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been held every December 3rd since 1992 by the United Nations. This is to support people with disabilities. It is with this in mind that several organizations, both state and non-state, launched this celebration through a press conference. For this year, the theme is: "Promoting the participation and role of people with disabilities: advancing the 2030 sustainable development agenda."
This meeting is jointly organized by the Togolese Federation of Associations of People with Disabilities (FETAPH), Handicap International, and the French Development Agency (AFD).
Several other participants from civil society and state actors, including the Directorate for People with Disabilities, participated.
It was an opportunity for FETAPH, Handicap International, and the Directorate for People with Disabilities to discuss this chosen theme. Also, several related themes were addressed, namely inclusive education, mental health, employment of people with disabilities, etc.
According to Didier N'KEKPO, Acting Program Director of FETAPH, this action aims to raise awareness among media people who will then popularize the information.
In addition, a particular emphasis is placed on mental illness, which seems to be often forgotten. This leads to the violation of the rights of victims of this illness.
Several activities filled this day, such as the theatrical performance on mental health on December 3. On December 6, a wheelchair basketball game is planned on the Akassimé field in Lomé. Finally, on Saturday, December 7, there will be an inclusive caravan to celebrate the rights of people with disabilities.
Djami A.
