REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: STRENGTHENING NATIONAL DISABILITY MAINSTREAMING IN LESOTHO

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL DISABILITY MAINSTREAMING IN LESOTHO

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

People with disabilities are among the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups in Lesotho. They are often forced to be dependent on relatives and other caretakers for their livelihoods. According to Lesotho Demographic Health Survey, 2001, 4.2% of the population has some form of disability and one-third of these are children under the age of 15 years. Lesotho is a signatory to the UN Convention of Children#s Rights (CRC) and UN Conventions on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The country has established an enabling policy and legislative environment that promotes the rights of persons with disabilities. Some key significant progress that has happened between 2018 to date are as follows:

In 2021, Parliament enacted into law #Persons with Disability Equity Act#. This Act provides the domestic legal support to enforce and defend many of the human rights spelled out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In 2020, through leadership from Ministry of Social Development, a multi-sectoral National Disability Mainstreaming Strategic Plan (2021-2025) was developed. In 2019, Ministry of Social Development with support from UNICEF and UNFPA conducted a National Disability Situational Analysis Study. In 2018, Ministry of Education and Training has developed and approved the Inclusive Education Policy. Through this policy children with disabilities are integrated in the same schools and regular classes as their no-disabled peers. Despite the significant progress made to date, COVID-19 has threatened the gains made and compounded the situation, disproportionately impacting persons with disabilities both directly and indirectly. The global crisis of COVID-19 has deepened the pre-existing inequalities, exposing the extent of exclusion and highlighting that work on disability inclusion is imperative.