Nationwide disability Bill consultations launched

Namibia took a resolute step towards greater inclusivity with the official launch of nationwide consultations on the draft Persons with Disabilities Bill and the National Policy on Disability.The event, held under the auspices of the National Disability Council of Namibia in Windhoek this week, marks a significant stride towards ensuring that the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities are duly recognised and protected.Officially launching the event on behalf of line minister Doreen Sioka, deputy minister of marginalised people, Royal ǀUiǀoǀoo, commended the Namibian government&#039;s early adoption of a policy on disability in 1997, and while acknowledging the existing legislative and policy environment for vulnerable communities.Close the gapǀUiǀoǀoo emphasised the need to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.He stressed the importance of an open and inclusive policy-making process that engages diverse voices, including those from traditional cultures, to ensure transparency, evidence-driven decision-making, and accessibility for all citizens, especially persons with disabilities."We must never forget that we serve a group of people with unique needs and a group of people who struggle to advance due to so many obstacles, such as discrimination and misperceptions," he said."I believe that the Bill and the amended disability policy would bring about those changes that we really need to see in the job market, in business environments, in universal designs, and in all other aspects of our society where change is needed," he added.Include everyoneThe nationwide consultations and workshops on the draft Bill and policy will be conducted across all regions of Namibia, aiming to leave no person with a disability behind and to consider the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders."We trust that with the efforts of the entire team that the Bill and the policy will be presented and submitted to parliament by the end of this year," remarked ǀUiǀoǀoo.

Nationwide disability Bill consultations launched

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-03

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Nationwide disability Bill consultations launched

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-03

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