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The African Disability Protocol (ADP) is a human rights treaty that addresses discrimination affecting people with disabilities living in African countries.

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.

Spotlight 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.

Leonard Marange, a member of the Equal Zimbabwe steering committee, at the launch event.

“Disability-inclusive development is development for everyone”

Leonard Marange, Equal Zimbabwe committee chair
Read Leonard’s interview

Senzeni Mutevedzi, a member of the Equal Zimbabwe steering committee, speaks at the launch event.

“We need to facilitate spaces for women and girls with disabilities”

Senzeni Mutuvedzi, Equal Zimbabwe committee vice-chair
Read Senzeni’s interview

How to take action

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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.

A still from Sightsavers' campaign video, with the text 'Ratify the ADP'.

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.

A woman and two men stand outside a building. The men, one of whom is sitting, are holding up signs with the words 'Make it count'.

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.

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