Accessibility to public buildings: A fundamental right for persons with disabilities - IDPD 2024
On 25 November 2024, the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDDP) was officially launched by the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène NGUENE. Accompanied by her counterparts in charge of Public Contracts and housing and Urban Development, the Minister made a site visit to assess the accessibility of public buildings in the city of Yaoundé, in particular those of the National Assembly, the National Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (CNRPH) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART).
The aim of this initiative is
to sensitise the public to accessibility issues for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility and to ensure that they have easier access to public infrastructure. The aim is to strengthen the integration of persons with disabilities into working life and to ensure that they have the same opportunities as all citizens.
During the visit, the Minister expressed her satisfaction regarding the efforts made to improve the accessibility of public buildings, while stressing the need to continue working in this area. “The Head of State pays particular attention to this issue, and we will continue to work towards a truly inclusive society”, said Pauline Irène NGUENE.
This year's theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, reminds us that the inclusion of persons with disabilities must not be limited to physical accessibility, but must extend to all dimensions of society, including the economic, educational and political sectors. This theme underlines the importance of leadership by persons with disabilities to play an active role in building a more inclusive and sustainable society.
On the occasion of the IDPD 2024, the visit to public buildings is an important step towards the continuous improvement of accessibility and the integration of persons with disabilities in all areas of social and professional life.
An inclusive future starts with better accessibility today.
