Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, presenting key national achievements at the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), held at the United Nations Headquarters.
Speaking at the global meeting, the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Eng. Maryprisca Mahundi, said Tanzania has continued to strengthen its legal, policy, and institutional frameworks to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities like other citizens.
She said the government has made major progress through key laws, including the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 9 of 2010 for Mainland Tanzania and Act No. 8 of 2022 for Zanzibar, which provide a strong legal foundation for protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
Mahundi explained that disability inclusion has been fully integrated into national development planning, including the National Development Vision 2050.
She said this ensures that persons with disabilities are part of the country’s long-term development agenda and are not left behind.
“Disability issues have been mainstreamed in national development plans. The Government is expanding access to inclusive education, healthcare services, rehabilitation and therapy, assistive devices, economic empowerment programmes, and social protection services for persons with disabilities,” she said.
She added that Tanzania is also improving systems and infrastructure to make public services more accessible, while promoting equal participation in social and economic activities.
Mahundi also commended the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her leadership in advancing inclusive development and ensuring that persons with disabilities are supported to actively participate in national growth.
She said the government continues to work closely with development partners, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities themselves to strengthen implementation of disability rights policies.
“Tanzania will continue to cooperate with other countries, the United Nations, civil society, and persons with disabilities to accelerate implementation of the Convention and build an inclusive society based on equality, dignity, and respect for human rights,” she said.
The COSP19 meeting brings together member states to review progress in implementing the Convention over the past 20 years and to shape the next phase of global action.
This year’s discussions focus on strengthening inclusion in a rapidly changing world.
Tanzania’s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to align national development with international human rights standards and to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in the country’s development journey.
Through its engagement in the UN forum, Tanzania has demonstrated its commitment to building a more inclusive society where every citizen, including persons with disabilities, can contribute and benefit equally from national development.
