The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in collaboration with the Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FAMOD) and other partners, celebrated today in Maputo the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was held under the theme “For the Implementation of the Disability Act in Mozambique”, highlighting the importance of turning legislative principles into concrete actions to benefit persons with disabilities.
This year, the celebration in Mozambique holds particular significance due to the recent approval of the Law for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first specific legislation adopted by the Mozambican Parliament on April 3, 2024.
The event brought together key institutional figures and civil society representatives, including the President of FAMOD, Cantol Podja, the U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Peter Vrooman, and the Deputy Director of AICS Maputo, Maria Cristina Pescante. Representatives of Italian NGOs such as ACAP, AIFO, and CUAMM, alongside other civil society actors committed to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, were also present.
The celebration took place at the Parque dos Continuadores and began with a symbolic run, embodying the spirit of inclusion and the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. Several stands were set up in the park to showcase projects funded by AICS, such as INCLU.DE and the Non-Communicable Diseases Programme, both aimed at strengthening inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on the health sector.
The President of FAMOD, Cantol Podja, emphasized that “the approval of the first law on the rights of persons with disabilities represents a crucial opportunity for society to reflect and renew efforts to eliminate inequalities and human rights violations. However, we all understand that this is just a starting point: the approval of the law marks the end of one phase and the beginning of an even more challenging one, that of its effective implementation.”
The Deputy Director of AICS, Maria Cristina Pescante, reiterated the commitment of Italian cooperation, stating: “The promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities is a historical priority for Italian cooperation.” She added that AICS has actively collaborated with local institutions and Italian civil society organizations “in initiatives aimed at the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on health, employment, and human rights.”
The celebration reaffirms the commitment of AICS and its partners to continue efforts to ensure full respect and implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities. This commitment is particularly relevant in light of the significant milestone achieved by Mozambique in 2024, with the approval of its first law dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities.
 |
 |