Berea – Intellectual Disability Awareness Month has sparked calls to rethink laws and attitudes, as people with intellectual disabilities continue to face barriers in daily life and the justice system.
During an interview with the agency on Tuesday, Advocacy and Human Rights Officer at the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD), Mr. Thaabe ’Moso, said the month is important as it highlights the challenges faced by persons with intellectual disabilities and promotes their inclusion in society.
He said some of the major challenges include negligence and discrimination, stressing that people with intellectual disabilities need proper accommodation and support to enable them to participate fully in their daily activities.
Mr. ‘Moso further noted that there is a need to amend the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act to better protect and cater for persons with intellectual disabilities within the justice system.
“I urge people to change their attitude and see persons with intellectual disabilities as human beings with a deficiency who can be assisted to deal with that deficiency,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. ‘Moso emphasized that representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities, along with the Government of Lesotho and international partners, will travel to Geneva next week to raise awareness and educate stakeholders about the role of organizations representing persons with disabilities and how persons with disabilities can be included in education, health services, and various services.
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