From 11 - 15 March 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, hosted the Advanced Human Rights Course on Disability Rights in an African context. The short course was presented using a hybrid format, with participants joining both in person at the Graduate Centre, University of Pretoria, as well as virtually via Zoom.
Participants and speakers attending the short course were from various African countries including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Ghana. They were also from several sectors including academia, civil society, and government.
Each of the five days of the short course was dedicated to exploring a specific theme. Day one was dedicated to laying the foundation by introducing participants to the two global and regional human rights instruments on the rights of persons with disabilities, namely, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (African Disability Protocol).
Day two focused on specific rights found in the CRPD and the African Disability Protocol, namely, access to justice, the right to education, the right to live independently and be included in the community, and the right to legal capacity.
Day three was dedicated to exploring contemporary issues such as deinstitutionalisation disability and migration. Furthermore, we also explored the human rights violations against persons with albinism and the rights of children with disabilities.
On day four, various workshops aimed at building participants’ capacity to promote the rights of persons with disabilities were presented. There were workshops on advocacy strategies, strategic litigation and technology and disability rights.
On the final day of the short course, participants were allowed to apply the knowledge gained throughout the week by participating in a group assignment.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a shared appreciation for the enriching experience and a commitment to advancing disability rights across Africa.
I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this course on Disability Rights in an African context. It has been an invaluable learning experience, and I am thankful for the knowledge and insights gained throughout the course. I appreciate the efforts of the organizers and facilitators in creating a stimulating and inclusive learning environment, and I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge acquired to contribute positively to disability rights advocacy in Africa. Thank you once again for this enriching opportunity.”
It has been an enlightening experience for me. I gained profound insights on disability rights in the African context. I believe I am better positioned to champion the inclusion and effective participation of persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
I am grateful to have been part of this course. The knowledge I've gained will help me, my workstation and the entire Kenya Prisons service in the advancement and protection of the rights of prisoners with disabilities. Thanks a lot for considering me. Asante sana.”
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