[International Day of Persons with Disabilities] A Clear Call for Enhanced Inclusion

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed every December 3rd, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam emphasized the need for collective mobilization towards a more inclusive society during a speech in Moka on Monday. He stated, "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."

This year's theme, "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress," underscores the importance of increased participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and enhancing their roles in political, social, economic, and cultural spheres. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.3 billion people worldwide, or 16% of the population, live with disabilities, with an estimated 84,500 in Mauritius alone.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, Minister of Social Integration Ashok Subron, various government officials, and the interim resident coordinator of the United Nations, Dr. Anne Marie Ancia.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of persons with disabilities to Mauritian society, highlighting the achievements of Noemi Alphonse and Anaïs Angeline at international championships as well as Jane Constance's journey. He reaffirmed that inclusion is a fundamental right and that disability should never hinder civic participation.

The head of government detailed several measures included in the 2025-2026 Budget:

– Enhanced support for students with Special Education Needs;

– An increase in the income ceiling for accessing allowances for purchasing assistive devices;

– The extension of taxi fare reimbursements for children with autism spectrum disorders or attention deficit disorders traveling to school.

He also announced a two-phase reform of the disability pension system: the initial update of medical guidelines to introduce an Inclusive Living Allowance, followed by the adoption of a hybrid assessment model combining medical and functional criteria.

An inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Minister Subron, will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the 73 recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Deputy Prime Minister Bérenger reiterated that protecting vulnerable individuals—including persons with disabilities, the elderly, children, and women—remains a governmental priority, emphasizing the need to enhance accessibility across all sectors.

Minister Subron outlined the initiatives from his ministry aimed at ensuring the full integration of persons with disabilities into Mauritian society, reaffirming the state’s responsibility to remove persistent barriers.

UN representative Dr. Anne Marie Ancia called for continued efforts to build a resilient and inclusive society, ensuring that persons with disabilities are involved in the development of public policies.

Noémi Alphonse, a prominent figure in Mauritian para-athletics, delivered a powerful message: "Today, we are not just celebrating a date on the calendar. We are celebrating courage, resilience, love, and determination. Whether a child is born with or without a disability, they remain a precious gift. A person with a disability, whether a child or an adult, is first and foremost a human being, a full citizen, with rights and capabilities. We do not seek pity but demand respect, equality, and the same opportunities in life." She also paid tribute to the strength of parents and the commitment of teachers who support children with disabilities every day, emphasizing the ongoing obstacles to inclusion, such as inadequate transportation, inaccessible infrastructure, and persistent stereotypes, and called for a change in the perception of disability.