Every citizen has a vital role to play in building an inclusive society that upholds the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities said the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, today in Moka on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on 3 December.

This year’s theme ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’ underscores the need to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes while promoting their leadership in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 billion people or 16% of the world’s population, experience significant disability. In Mauritius, approximately 84 500 people live with a disability.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; several Ministers and Junior Ministers; the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr Anne Marie Ancia, and other personalities were present.

The Prime Minister hailed the contribution of persons living with disabilities while recalling that inclusion in the society is a fundamental right and disability should never be an obstacle. He cited the remarkable achievements of Mauritian para-athletes, namely, Ms Noemi Alphonse and Ms Anaïs Angeline at the World Championships as well as the accomplishment of the Mauritian singer, Ms Jane Constance. Noemi Alphonse delivered an inspiring speech highlighting all the issues experienced by persons with disabilities mentioning Jane Constance singer and Yaaseen Edoo who met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as he won the Queen’s Young Leaders Award and she exhorts of equal rights for persons with disabilities which will lead towards an inclusive society.

Reiterating Government’s commitment to cater for the welfare of individuals with disabilities, Dr Ramgoolam enumerated key initiatives spelt out in Budget 2025-2026. These include provision of greater support for Special Education Needs students; increase in the monthly household income threshold to benefit from cash grants for the purchase of assistive devices; as well as extension of refund of taxi fares to children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity attending schools.

The Prime Minister further dwelt on the proposed review of the Disability Pension System which will be implemented in two phases, Phase 1 will include the updating of Medical Guidelines for Disability Assessment with the introduction of an Inclusive Living Allowance whereas Phase 2 will comprise the rollout of a hybrid assessment model based on both medical and functional criteria.

The setting up of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, under the chair of the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, to coordinate the effective implementation of the 73 recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was highlighted by Dr Ramgoolam.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that the welfare of persons with disabilities, along with that of the elderly, children and women, remains a key priority of Government. He emphasised the need to strengthen inclusion and accessibility to advance human development across all sectors.

Minister Subron for his part, listed out various initiatives undertaken by his Ministry geared towards enhancing the lives of persons suffering from disabilities. He highlighted Government’s responsibility to ensure the full integration of persons with disabilities into the Mauritian society without any barriers.

The Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator called for continued efforts to build a resilient and inclusive society while ensuring the active involvement of persons with disabilities in policy development.