Cape Town - The Department of Social Development (DSD) celebrated Human Rights Day in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
According to the department, the decision to commemorate the two special occasions simultaneously works to “symbolise the two important social constructs that complement each other”.
Speaking to the DSD’s commemoration efforts, Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez said the two events observed on Sunday allowed the department to reiterate its commitment to promoting the well-being, dignity, and inclusivity of intellectually disabled persons.
Fernandez said: “Every year, both Human Rights Day and WDSD are celebrated on March 21. Human Rights Day commemorates and honours those who fought for the rights and freedom that all South Africans enjoy today, while World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness initiative that has been backed by the UN since 2012.
“This day goes to say that all of us have a role to play in educating our family members, peers, and others about the barriers and challenges faced by persons with intellectual disabilities.
“The voices of people with disabilities must be heard. Most persons with Down syndrome have some level of intellectual disability, usually in the mild to moderate range. Hence the importance of working together to safeguarding the rights and promote the needs of persons with intellectual disabilities all year round.”
For its current financial year, the DSD has a budget of R169 million to support its initiatives and non-profit partners, to deliver services specially designed for the developmental social welfare of people with disabilities, their families, or caregivers.
In commemoration of WDSD, Disability Info South Africa executive director Alan Downey said: “It is important that all organisations that represent persons with disabilities stand together to ensure that their voices are heard. Communities need to support these initiatives as well, so that people living with disabilities can truly become members of society, who enjoy the same rights as all South Africans.”
Cape Argus