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Republic of Congo becomes the 15th country to ratify the African Disability Protocol

July 2024

The Republic of Congo has ratified the African Disability Protocol (ADP), bringing the total number of ratifications to 15.

This means the ADP is now legally binding across the entire African Union – a momentous step for the continent.

The ADP is a human rights treaty adopted in 2018 that addresses the forms of discrimination that particularly affect people with disabilities living in Africa such as customs, traditional beliefs, harmful practices and the role of the family, caregivers and community. It also deals with community-based rehabilitation and minority groups within the African disability community, including people with albinism.

It is now more crucial than ever for more countries to ratify the protocol, and begin implementation and reporting, to ensure the rights of people with disabilities throughout Africa, and for the African Union to support them in this process.

The Equal World campaign worked alongside campaigners in 13 countries including the African Union Commission, the African Disability Forum, the Africa Disability Alliance and the African Union for the Blind. These organisations called on governments across the continent to ratify the ADP and protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Now comes the hard part

The ADP may be legally binding across the whole African Union, but member states must act to ensure it is enforced. They must also report on how it is being implemented effectively.

Check out our social media toolkit to find out how you can be part of the change.

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