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2.3.5 Burundi

With regard to Burundi, there are no reliable and updated figures of persons with disabilities. However the recent general census has estimated that people with severe disabilities are 4.5% of the total population. It is worth noting that even though the country has not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs, it has signed it and the process of its ratifications is on track.

Legislation

  • The Constitution prohibits discrimination of any kind and emphasizes on equal opportunities for all. Currently, there are plans to amend the existing Constitution to make the necessary provisions for marginalized groups
  • The Government signed the UN Convention on PWDs and its optional protocol in April, 2007 and it is now in the process of being ratified. Plans are underway to ensure the domestication of this Convention once it is ratified
  • The Government officially recognizes Persons with Disability Organizations
  • The Universal Primary Education Act makes enrollment mandatory to school for all children including children with disabilities
  • The Act establishing Independent Human Rights Commission provides for HRC to follow on issues of PWDs

Policies/Strategies

  • Vision 2025 highlights disabilities needs among other Vulnerable persons
  • Action Plan of African Decade of PWDs has been developed and National Steering Committee was established in 2008
  • National Policy on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children takes into account Disabled Children
  • Action Plan of Community Based Rehabilitation has been developed to integrate PWDs in the Community
  • National Action Plan on Landmine and other Explosives victim’s Assistance; which uses a comprehensive approach that targets also PWDs, their families and the community
  • National Strategy on Socio-economic Rehabilitation of conflict affected persons includes also conflict induced disabilities
  • National Strategy on Street Children targets children with disabilities and other street beggars with disabilities
  • Poverty Reduction and economic Growth Strategic Framework takes into account PWDs

Programmes

  • The Ministry of Social Affairs provides programs for PWDs through the Department of Social Integration
  • There exists a coordination mechanisms which brings together PWDs, DPOs, Line Ministry, PWDs centers to network.
  • There are institutions, both public and private, that provide apprenticeship training for PWDs in dress making, welding, painting and joinery
  • There is a Center that makes prosthesis and other mobility equipment to help the PWDs readapt to life. PWDs get them free of charge
  • There are also plans to establish a national multi functional centre for all categories of PWDs
  • The Government has also increased the budgetary allocation on PWDs by five times to support their programs among others vocational trainings and entrepreneurship to allow PWDs to engage in productive life and access to micro credit and housing
  • To organize PWDs in cooperative for income generating activities
  • HIV&AIDS intervention strategies targeting specifically PWDs
  • A program to support those with sensory disabilities (the deaf, blind and dumb) is underway
  • Free Pre-natal and Post-natal vaccination and consultation services
  • DPOs and centers for PWDs receive annual budgetary allocations as subsidies in addition to settlement of their water and energy bills

Challenges

  • The non ratification of UN Convention on PWDs has delayed the enactment of the law for PWDs as well as the development of the national disability policy
  • Some children with disabilities miss out education because of the ignorance of their parents
  • Negative attitude on disability still prevails and parents still hide children with disabilities
  • There is little awareness on disability issues to the communities and leaders at all levels including decision – makers

Recommendations

  • To conduct the Disability Survey/ Census which includes the categorization of disabilities
  • Burundi should ratify the UN Convention on the rights of PWDs
  • To set up strategies on building self-esteem and fighting the behavior of begging among PWDs
  • Capacity building and awareness raising on issues of Disabilities towards Policy-makers, leaders, communities and PWDs themselves

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