1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
The Treaty establishing the East African Community recognizes the importance of addressing and responding to the challenges that confront persons with disabilities. Article 120(c) of the Treaty clearly spells out that the EAC Partner States shall closely cooperate in the field of social welfare with respect to among others, the development and adoption of a common approach towards the disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster houses, health care, education and training. In addition, Article 102(2) also makes reference to collaboration by the Partner Sates in putting in place education and training programmes for people with special needs and other disadvantaged group.
The first meeting of Experts on Persons with Disabilities which took place from 3rd to 4th December, 2009 in Kampala, Uganda was a preliminary process towards the East African Disability Conference (EADC). The meeting of Experts, organized in collaboration with the EALA General Purpose Committee, was called to provide an initial ground for delegates from Partner States's Organs and organizations in order to make a preliminary analysis of their national legislations and policies, and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Delegates also identified the gaps, and challenges of including Disability in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the current social protection initiatives in EAC Partner States.
The meeting identified common and emerging issues to be deliberated upon in the East African Disability Conference. The overall goal of the Conference was for the relevant departments of the EAC Secretariat, EALA Members, Partner States, Civil Society, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and Experts on the rights of Persons with Disabilities to put into place a mechanism for engagement towards the improvement of the status of PWDs in the region.