Shadow report to the committee on the rights of persons with disabilities
This shadow report has been facilitated by CREATE, one of the DCDD's partners in the Lobby Venture.
This shadow report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been generated by the Umgungundlovu Disability Forum which comprises members from disabled people’s organisations, non-government organisations, special schools and the Department of Social Development in the Umgungundlovu district of KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa. The report acknowledges the positive role the South African government has played in realising the rights of people with disabilities in this country. Progressive Acts and policies of government which guarantee the rights of people with disabilities are acknowledged. The report then deals with the specific situation of people with disabilities in Umgungundlovu district in relation to Articles 7, 8, 17, 19, 24, 25 and 27 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Each article is dealt with separately and covers the relevant enabling legislation and policies, the situation in Umgungundlovu district and recommendations for improvement of the situation. For two of the articles there are also specific case studies attached which illustrate the violation of the rights of people with disabilities. The report concludes with the recognition of the roles that civil society and government must play to achieve respect for the rights of people with disabilities in South Africa.