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Africa

Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Updated: September 2018
A man with a physical disability in front of a table

The Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the African Union Charter on Human and People's Rights of the African Union (AU) went into effect in 2018.

 

Article 21: Right to Participate in Political and Public Life

 

1. Every person with a disability has the right to participate in political and public life.


2. States Parties shall take all appropriate policy, legislative and other measures to ensure this right, on the basis of equality, including through:


a) Undertaking or facilitating systematic and comprehensive civic education to encourage full participation of persons with disabilities in democracy and development processes, including by ensuring civic and voter education materials are availed in accessible formats;


b) Encouraging the effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life including as members of political parties, electors and holders of political and public offices in accordance with national laws;

 

c) Putting in place reasonable accommodation and other support measures consistent with the secrecy of the ballot, including as appropriate, by ensuring accessibility to polling stations and facilitating assisted voting, for persons with disabilities to enable their effective participation in political and public life in accordance with national laws;


d) Realising increased and effective representation and participation of persons with disabilities on an equitable basis as members of regional, sub-regional, national and local legislative bodies;


e) Repealing or amending laws that on the basis of disability restrict the right of persons with disabilities to vote, stand for or remain in public office.

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