The African Disability Protocol (ADP) is a human rights treaty that addresses discrimination affecting people with disabilities living in African countries.
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The African Disability Protocol
The African Disability Protocol is a legal framework that protects the rights of 80 million people with disabilities living in African nations.
The African Disability Protocol is the first African human rights treaty that addresses specific forms of discrimination affecting people with disabilities on the continent, such as harmful practices, beliefs and superstitions.
In 2022, Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign launched the #RatifyTheADP campaign and worked with partners including the African Union, Africa Disability Alliance and African Disability Forum, as well as campaigners across 13 countries, to call on African governments to pass the legislation.
The treaty has now been ratified across the African Union, which is a huge step for disability rights across the continent. Our campaign is now calling on countries that have ratified it to update their national disability laws in line with the treaty, and calling on other countries that have not yet ratified to take the step.
Read the treaty
We’ve created shorter, accessible versions of the African Disability Protocol for supporters and campaigners to use in their advocacy work.
Read the ADPSpotlight on the African Disability Protocol
Interviews and opinion pieces from experts, campaigners, ministers and organisations of people with disabilities on the implementation and ratification of the human rights treaty.
“Disability-inclusive development is for everyone”
Leonard Marange, Equal Zimbabwe committee chair
Read Leonard’s interview
“We need to facilitate spaces for women and girls with disabilities”
Senzeni Mutuvedzi, Equal Zimbabwe committee vice-chair
Read Senzeni’s interview
“Our work won’t be done until we get universal continental ratification”
Edwinah Orowe, Sightsavers campaign adviser and ADP lead
Read Edwinah’s interview
How to take action
Share on social media
You can spread the word today by sharing our messages on social media. Read our social media toolkit for ways to get involved.
Join the campaign
Are you interested in joining the campaign or working on ratification in your own country? For more details, Email Edwinah Orowe
Read our briefings
Learn more about getting involved:
African Disability Protocol news
Republic of Congo becomes the 15th country to ratify the African Disability Protocol
The Republic of Congo has ratified the treaty, bringing the total number of ratifications to 15. This means the ADP is now legally binding across the entire African Union.
African Disability Protocol just one country away from becoming legally binding
With Malawi’s ratification of the ADP in December and Nigeria’s hot on their heels in January, we are now only one country away from ratification across the entire African Union.
Cameroon approves landmark disability legislation
Cameroon has become the second African country to begin to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP), which addresses unique issues that affect people with disabilities in African countries.