Parliament to host inaugural conference for Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities

“Parliament is set to host the inaugural conference for Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region in Nairobi from 15th and 17th October, 2021, ” said nominated Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, Hon. Dennitah Ghati in a press conference earlier yesterday.

The city of Nairobi will host this inaugural conference that will bring together international and local stakeholders to engage on the actualisation of the UN Convention on the Rights to Persons with Disabilities, challenges and opportunities of PwDs in the Political Process as well as access to justice and fair treatment.

The Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network is established by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to support Parliamentarians with disabilities to be more effective in their roles and to help improve awareness of disability issues amongst all Parliamentarians and the citizens of the Commonwealth nations.

The CPwD Regional Champions represent each of the CPA’s nine Regions and promote the rights of Commonwealth Parliamentarians with disabilities in their respective Regions and represent disability interests within the CPA.

This forum draws participants from among Legislators with Disabilities from twelve (12) countries in the Commonwealth Africa Region which include: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone as well as from the United Nations.

Hon. Ghati who has been widely acknowledged as a strong advocate for people with disabilities both at the National Assembly as well as within the CPA fraternity was recently elected the CPwD Chairperson.

The opening ceremony of the conference themed: “Mainstreaming Disability Consideration in the Legislative Agenda in the 21st Century” will be officiated by the speaker of the National Assembly/Chairperson CPA Africa EXCO, Hon. Justin B.N. Muturi, EGH, MP , who is also scheduled to give a key note address, on 15th October at 10.00am.

The Speaker of the Senate, the Rt. Hon. Kenneth M. Lusaka, E.G.H., MP, is also expected to address the conference.