Minister Mitcy Larue’s message on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities |03 December 2019
Minister Larue
'Disability should never be an issue or be the basis to discriminate against anyone’
“Disability should never be an issue or be the basis to discriminate against anyone. I am proud of the efforts being made by everyone to ensure greater inclusivity and equality.”
The Minister for Family Affairs, Mitcy Larue, said this in her message on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities being celebrated today.
The full text of Minister Larue’s message reads:
“It is with pride and solidarity that we join with the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was first proclaimed in 1992.
“Its aim is to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. More importantly, it also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
“This year’s theme focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, where Seychelles too pledged to ‘leave no one behind’.
“Ten years ago in 2009 Seychelles ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons living with Disabilities; this ensures that across all of our policies consideration is given to persons living with disabilities.
“Much has been done in this direction over the years since, such as an inclusive education policy launched in 2004. Recently we saw the re-introduction of the URS programme, which facilitates gainful employment of vulnerable groups, where persons living with disabilities are also benefiting.
“Looking back over the years there are many new interesting developments happening in Seychelles that will impact on the lives of persons living with disabilities; work has started to review the Mental Health Act, to replace the 2006 Act criticised for being outdated and oppressive, which does not conform with the UN Convention. The flaw in this current law is that it does not necessarily protect the rights of persons with mental illnesses, but rather addresses the protection of society from them.
The new law will usher in a paradigm shift from the above by recognising the fundamental rights of the patients to take part in their treatment while also making provision for the medical professional to take on certain decisions when the patient is unfit to do so.
“The basis of this law is to put the right of citizens suffering from mental illness at the centre of all the provisions and that means that like every patient in the public health system they will also be involved one way or another in their own treatment.
“The new law will govern how the patients are diagnosed in both public and private hospitals and take into account the risks they may pose to themselves and to those around them.
“But more importantly the Law will go beyond just the health aspect, it enshrines rights of persons with mental illness which includes the respect of the dignity and privacy of persons with mental illness, the right to information and the prohibition against discrimination, exploitation and abuse.
“Another key set of legislation that was worked on this year was amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act, where all partners involved wants to see a piece of regulation that promotes greater accessibility where the concept of universal designs are accepted. This will greatly benefit persons living with disabilities allowing for easier access to services and goes a long way for them to live more independently.
“At my Ministry, the focus remains on improving services available to persons living with disabilities and their families.
“This year government approved the new three-year Strategic Plan for the National Council for the Disabled. The plan embraces empowerment, moving away from a protectionist model. This means improved services, more skilled personnel and change in mind-set. The National Council for the Disabled are in the final stages to sign an MoU with their counterpart in Reunion. The MoU will pave the way to facilitate exchanges all with the aim of improving services and our local facilities.
“Disability should never be an issue or be the basis to discriminate against anyone. I am proud of the efforts being made by everyone to ensure greater inclusivity and equality.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us to achieve this end, but we remain resolved with the knowledge that as a ministry we are not alone on this journey. We have the full backing of the government. We have regional and international partners on board and more importantly, we are seeing greater participation of persons living with disabilities themselves, through the creation of associations ensuring that they have an even louder voice.
“Today, I take this opportunity to thank all the different partners from government, the private sector, NGOs and individuals who are working hard to promote the well-being of Persons Living with Disabilities in Seychelles.
“Most importantly, I would like to say well done to all persons with disabilities. You continue to inspire the nation through your achievements at both local and on the international stage; your achievements in the recent Indian Ocean Games still resonate in our hearts and minds. Your courage, strength and perseverance are truly heroic. These are great abilities and unfortunately, not many so-called ‘normal’ people possess them.
“I recognise that society and government must do more to ensure that your full rights are realised. I only ask that you keep coming forward, keep on participating and believing in yourselves. For you also have a role to play in the development of our beautiful country.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Family Affairs, I would like to wish all persons with disabilities a blessed and happy day.”
Source: Ministry of Family Affairs