Tanzania parades its human rights policies globally

BERLIN: Tanzania has invited other nations to learn how the country formulates inclusive policies and accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities.

The call was made by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), Ummy Nderiananga, during the International Conference on Persons with Disabilities held in Berlin, Germany.

Speaking at the conference, Nderiananga emphasized the importance of adopting inclusive approaches that enable people with disabilities to participate actively in all stages of development. She noted that despite ongoing efforts by governments, stakeholders, and international organizations to build inclusive societies, people with disabilities continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation.

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Highlighting Tanzania’s achievements in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the Deputy Minister explained that the government has implemented comprehensive policies, laws, and strategies, particularly in the areas of disaster management and climate change, to ensure that no group is left behind.

The Deputy Minister said persons with disabilities must be fully included in development initiatives at both national and international levels to ensure that no one is left behind in the inclusive development agenda.

Furthermore, Nderiananga invited other countries to learn from Tanzania’s experience, especially in formulating inclusive policies, ensuring accessible infrastructure, conducting impact assessments for persons with disabilities, and allocating special funds to support climate change response efforts.

Regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities in global forums such as COP30, Nderiananga stressed that Tanzania has already established a robust framework for their inclusion through various policies and guidelines. She added that Tanzania will continue collaborating with the COP secretariat and other development partners to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

In conclusion, she reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation to ensure that the agenda for disability inclusion remains a priority in global discussions and actions such as COP30.