MASERU – The Deaf blind Association of Lesotho (DBAL) on Friday commemorated Deafblind Awareness Day by calling for greater awareness, inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with deaf blindness, urging government, development partners and the public to work together to remove barriers to education, justice, communication and access to public services.
Speaking during the commemoration of Deaf blind Awareness Day, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Mahlape Morai said it is the responsibility of the police to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to report crimes and access justice without discrimination.
She said reports involving persons with deaf blindness mainly relate to theft and fraud, stressing that every crime reported to the police must be investigated and handled professionally.
Dr. Morai said the police have made significant progress in promoting inclusion by training officers in sign language, adding that persons with disabilities should be confident that they will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and that their complaints will receive proper attention.
She said disability should never be a barrier to communication and emphasised that the dignity of every person must always be protected.
Representing the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Potso Sofonia said the international recognition of Deaf blind Awareness Day demonstrates the global commitment to advancing the rights of persons with deaf blindness.
He said the United Nations remains committed to working with government, civil society and disability organisations to promote inclusion and ensure equal access to services.
He noted that law enforcement officers play a critical role in ensuring access to justice and stressed the importance of training police officers in sign language and other accessible communication methods.
He urged all stakeholders to involve persons with deaf blindness in decision-making processes, saying the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” should guide all programmes and policies affecting persons with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the the Deaf blind Association of Lesotho (DBAL), Mrs. Mannete Sesiu said the United Nations formally recognised Deaf blind Awareness Day in 2025 to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by persons with deafblindness.
She said DBAL, which was established in 2020 and officially registered in 2023, continues to advocate for the rights of deafblind persons while working closely with the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) and other partners.
She said the commemoration is intended to educate the public about deaf blindness, promote inclusion and encourage society to respect the rights of persons living with the disability.
National Association of the Deaf in Lesotho (NADL) representative Mr. Ts’eliso Leisa said deaf blindness has existed in Lesotho for many years but has often remained unnoticed.
He said NADL has supported DBAL since its establishment and pledged continued cooperation to improve the welfare of persons with deaf blindness.
Mr. Leisa also called for improved treatment of persons with disabilities in public transport and public services.
Meanwhile, Ms. Karabelo Seamatla of the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) described deaf blindness as a distinct disability that affects communication and mobility rather than simply being a combination of hearing and visual impairments.
She called on leaders to expand access to assistive technology, sign language interpretation, digital accessibility tools and specialised resource centres from early childhood to secondary education.
She also urged government to work closely with DBAL in developing policies affecting persons with deaf blindness, saying they deserve equal opportunities and full participation in society.
International Day of Deaf blindness is commemorated globally on June 27 to recognize deaf blindness as a unique disability and celebrate the contributions of the deaf blind community
Ends/MAMAJ
