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Inclusivity/Gender
JONAPWD highlights African disability protocol, advocating for the right to work
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
06 Nov 2025 02:25 PM
In a powerful move to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities across the African continent, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Nigeria (JONAPWD) has brought attention to Article 19 of the African Disability Protocol.
In a post on X via @jonapwdng Thursday, the organization highlighted this critical provision, emphasizing the right to decent work and fair treatment for individuals with disabilities.
The African Disability Protocol, a legally binding framework ratified by African Union member states, seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities in the workforce.
Article 19 specifically mandates that every person with a disability has the right to decent work under favorable conditions, including robust protection against unemployment and exploitation.
States are obligated to enforce these rights by prohibiting discrimination in all aspects of employment and safeguarding labor rights for this community.
Key obligations outlined in the protocol include the promotion of self-employment opportunities and the integration of persons with disabilities into the public sector through job quotas. Additionally, the protocol encourages private sector employment through supportive policies and mandates the provision of reasonable accommodations.
A significant emphasis is placed on preventing unfair dismissal due to disability, ensuring job security for this group.
Further strengthening the framework, Article 19 calls for equal pay for equal work, recognizing the social and cultural value contributed by persons with disabilities.
This provision underscores a shift from viewing employment for this community as an act of charity to acknowledging it as a fundamental matter of justice and equal citizenship.
In a follow-up thread, @jonapwdng stressed that employment for persons with disabilities is about recognizing their capacity and creativity, not benevolence.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts across the African Union to implement the protocol’s 44 articles, which cover principles, equality, rights, marginalized groups, duties, and implementation strategies.
As member states continue to formulate national laws and policies based on this framework, today’s spotlight by @JONAPWDNG serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing commitment to inclusion and dignity.
In a post on X via @jonapwdng Thursday, the organization highlighted this critical provision, emphasizing the right to decent work and fair treatment for individuals with disabilities.
The African Disability Protocol, a legally binding framework ratified by African Union member states, seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities in the workforce.
Article 19 specifically mandates that every person with a disability has the right to decent work under favorable conditions, including robust protection against unemployment and exploitation.
States are obligated to enforce these rights by prohibiting discrimination in all aspects of employment and safeguarding labor rights for this community.
Key obligations outlined in the protocol include the promotion of self-employment opportunities and the integration of persons with disabilities into the public sector through job quotas. Additionally, the protocol encourages private sector employment through supportive policies and mandates the provision of reasonable accommodations.
A significant emphasis is placed on preventing unfair dismissal due to disability, ensuring job security for this group.
Further strengthening the framework, Article 19 calls for equal pay for equal work, recognizing the social and cultural value contributed by persons with disabilities.
This provision underscores a shift from viewing employment for this community as an act of charity to acknowledging it as a fundamental matter of justice and equal citizenship.
In a follow-up thread, @jonapwdng stressed that employment for persons with disabilities is about recognizing their capacity and creativity, not benevolence.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts across the African Union to implement the protocol’s 44 articles, which cover principles, equality, rights, marginalized groups, duties, and implementation strategies.
As member states continue to formulate national laws and policies based on this framework, today’s spotlight by @JONAPWDNG serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing commitment to inclusion and dignity.
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