LSN Peer Support Networks Celebrate “International Day for Disabled Persons”
LSN Peer Support Networks coordinated a variety of activities in recognition of International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2003. LSN worked in connection with Disability and Human Rights groups in all six network countries to organize events that engaged local communities and helped educate a broad spectrum of people about the need to protect and expand the rights of people with disabilities.
At LSN-Bosnia and Herzegovina, a cocktail reception was held for "International Day for Disabled Persons." The cocktail reception for survivors and other people with disabilities, government officials, and NGO representatives provided an opportunity for attendees to give, receive, and discuss information about disability rights in Bosnia and the world.
LSN-El Salvador worked with El Salvador’s National Council for People with Disabilities (CONAIPD) on events celebrating December 3. LSN social groups from San Salvador and La Libertad met to discuss the current, most important issues for People with Disabilities in El Salvador.
(View pictures and read more about El Salvador Network December 3
celebrations).
In association with the Ethiopia Federation for Persons with Disabilities (EFPD), LSN-Ethiopia focused on promoting the African Decade (1999-2009) of People with Disabilities, increased access to HIV/AIDS information for people with disabilities, and raised awareness to change Ethiopia’s laws in order to create national programs to bring equal opportunities to people with disabilities.
LSN-Mozambique held its 3rd Annual Celebration of the “International Day for Disabled Persons,” and worked to coordinate events for December 3 in collaboration with local NGOs and government agencies, such as the Ministry of Women and Coordination of Social Action (MMCAS), Association of Disabled Mozambicans (ADEMO), and Association of Deaf Mozambicans (ASUMO). LSN-Mozambique Director, Manuel Chauque, participated in a debate on national radio with two representatives from MMCAS and Mozambican Forum for Association of Disabled People (FAMOD) about important disability issues in Mozambique.
Landmine Survivors Network-Jordan Director, Adnan Al Aboudi, was interviewed on the Good Morning Program on Jordan Television (JTV) on December 4 to commemorate and speak about International Day for People With Disabilities. Mr. Aboudi’s interview served three purposes: 1) to introduce International Day for People with Disabilities to the Jordanian public, discuss its history in the UN and increase awareness within the Jordanian disability communities; 2) to introduce LSN-Jordan’s peer support programs for landmine survivors to Jordanians who are unfamiliar with LSN and; 3) to inform Jordanians about his nomination as the Mid East Representative of the UN Ad Hoc Committee’s, “Working Group to Draft the Convention to Promote and Protect the Rights of People with Disabilities.”
Another participant in the Good Morning Program panel interview was Dr. Sami Herzaella, a leading disability rights expert from the Jordanian Executive Office of Prince Ra’ad. Dr. Herzellea spoke about Prince Ra'ad’s efforts as an advocate for the rights of Jordanians with Disabilities, and about new public policy to advance the rights of people with disabilities in Jordan. Dr. Herzellea was optimistic about the future role of the Executive Office for the Rights of People with Disabilities.
December 3, 2003 marked the first time that the newly established LSN-Vietnam Peer Support Network celebrated “International Day for Disabled Persons.” LSN-Vietnam, with their partner, the Bo Trach People’s Committee (BTPC), organized activities promoting discussion and understanding of disability in Quang Binh Province and nationwide. The LSN-Vietnam and BTPC event included speeches by LSN and BTPC representatives. The collaborating organizations invited 200 families and people with disabilities, plus local government officials and community organization representatives to the meetings. |
