Principles

Disability

The SADPD was formed to facilitate the inclusion of disability at various levels. Its mandate is premised on the human rights and social model of disability, which is an inclusive and comprehensive approach to disability where the focus is no longer just on the individual but on the environment and the interaction thereof. This is supported by various (international) instruments on disability to promote equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in society. The various programmes implemented by SADPD therefore are all aimed at improving the situation of persons with disabilities in Africa.

Development

Recognising that persons with disabilities are among the most marginalised in society and considering that many institutions and systems in society have not factored in their needs, SADPD finds it imperative to work towards more sustainable solutions that alleviate the situations of persons with disabilities. To this end, the SADPD is an advocate for inclusive development as well as the self-determination of persons with disabilities. This goal is achievable through the mainstreaming of disability in society as well as empowering disabled persons for self-representation and articulation of issues as they affect them.

Human Rights

A third pillar to the work of SADPD is human rights – the basic rights t0 and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. SADPD was founded upon the AU’s response to the global efforts on disability work, which is well enshrined in the various international and regional human rights instruments including the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disability. SADPD’s work is thus not about promoting realisation of specific rights, but ensuring effective enjoyment of all human rights without discrimination of people with disabilities in Africa.

In order to effectively achieve these three goals (disability, development, and human rights work), SADPD works with governments, development partners and DPOs on the various fronts of policy influencing, awareness and knowledge creation. The International Declaration on Human Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, African Decade Continental Plan of Action (ACPOA) and UNCRPD provide a platform for the SADPD to work with African governments and development partners to address gaps in the enjoyment of human rights for disabled persons.