4.0 Guiding Principles
4.1 Human Rights Based Approach
In implementing this policy, the Human Rights Based Approach shall be used. This will ensure that all legislation and programming at the Secretariat and partner states will enhance the rights of PWDs
4.2 Non-discrimination
Underlying this process is the conscious departure from the ethos of charity to human rights and development approach to disability concerns. Whereas humanitarian interventions cannot be ruled out from time to time, human rights based approach demands that disability be considered as a planning tool in our development agenda and not to be left to charity. The approach provides for protection from discrimination based on real or apparent grounds.
4.3 Participation
PWDs and their care givers shall be fully involved in the decision making process at the formulation, implementation of policies and legislations that directly affect their well being and inclusion in society, at the monitoring and evaluation level of their programmes.
4.4 Mainstreaming
Persons with disabilities are part and parcel of the society. They should be fully included in all aspect of life and their special needs be met within their communities instead of being isolated by institutional service delivery approaches.
4.5 Accessibility
The provisions of this policy call for consideration of accessibility as a cross cutting concern. Accessibility should remain an underlying consideration in the built environment, public transport, and communication and information services.
4.6 Equalization of Opportunities
Persons with disabilities have throughout history been disadvantaged by limitations imposed by their impairment. They have not benefited from available opportunities like the rest of society. Although it is difficult to fully compensate their lost capacities, measures provided in this policy document ensure that they are accorded opportunities on an equal basis with others, including through affirmative action.
4.7 Gender responsiveness
The Secretariat will ensure that issues that affect both men and women PWDs, girls and boys youth and the elderly with disability are included in planning and implementation of programmes. The policy will ensure that affirmative action be applied where imbalances exist.
4.8 Dignity and Respect
PWDs shall be treated with dignity and respect by their families and service providers irrespective of their sex, age, social-cultural and economic status.
4.9 Multi-sectoral approach
This will involve building and strengthening partnerships and networks with different sectors, private sectors, CSOs, DPOs and development partners for effective and efficient service delivery to PWDs at all levels.
4. 10 Equity and Social Choice
Recognition that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to equal treatment and benefits for the laws.
4.11 The Governments of EAC
The State Parties shall ensure that families and care givers for PWDs are provided with basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, education, health, love and care and other basic services that promote and protect the rights of PWDs.
4.12 Good Governance and Accountability
This principle will promote effective governance through democratic processes at all levels. PWDs shall be able to demand and hold service providers accountable on matters that affect them and the communities at the same time be held responsible for their actions.
4.13 Capacity Building
The capacity of PWDs, DPOs, families, care givers, communities and service providers shall be enhanced for effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes at all levels.