Ngurare says revised disability policy gazetted
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has announced that the revised National Policy on Disability, together with its Implementation Action Plan, has been officially gazetted as the 2025–2030 framework — a milestone in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Namibia.
Addressing Parliament last week, Ngurare said the gazetting of the policy signifies the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening protection, inclusion, and accommodation of persons with disabilities across all sectors of society.
“This updated policy serves as a call to action for all stakeholders, particularly the new administration, to address existing barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities,” he said.
Ngurare explained that the new five-year framework builds on the foundation of the 1997 Policy on Disability, which had become outdated and inadequate in addressing modern realities. “The new policy aims to correct those limitations by focusing on accessibility, social inclusion, education, employment, and healthcare for persons with disabilities,” he said.
He added that the revised policy aligns with Namibia’s constitutional principles and its commitments under regional and international human rights instruments. Successful implementation, he said, will depend on cooperation among government ministries, civil society, and the private sector.
“The government remains determined to close the gaps left by the previous policy and to create a society where every Namibian — regardless of ability — can participate fully and meaningfully,” Ngurare said.
The 2025–2030 National Policy on Disability reinforces Namibia’s pledge to uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens, setting out clear and measurable actions to track progress over the next five years.
Addressing Parliament last week, Ngurare said the gazetting of the policy signifies the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening protection, inclusion, and accommodation of persons with disabilities across all sectors of society.
“This updated policy serves as a call to action for all stakeholders, particularly the new administration, to address existing barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities,” he said.
Ngurare explained that the new five-year framework builds on the foundation of the 1997 Policy on Disability, which had become outdated and inadequate in addressing modern realities. “The new policy aims to correct those limitations by focusing on accessibility, social inclusion, education, employment, and healthcare for persons with disabilities,” he said.
He added that the revised policy aligns with Namibia’s constitutional principles and its commitments under regional and international human rights instruments. Successful implementation, he said, will depend on cooperation among government ministries, civil society, and the private sector.
“The government remains determined to close the gaps left by the previous policy and to create a society where every Namibian — regardless of ability — can participate fully and meaningfully,” Ngurare said.
The 2025–2030 National Policy on Disability reinforces Namibia’s pledge to uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens, setting out clear and measurable actions to track progress over the next five years.
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