By DisabilityNewsGH
The second vice president of the World Blind Union, Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debrah, is appealing to Russia and Ukraine to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not affected by the ongoing war.
Mr Ofori-Debrah who is also the chairman of the governing board of Ghana’s National Council on Persons with Disability is pleading with leaders of the attacking and defending countries to mutually agree to evacuate PWDs to safety, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs, article 11, which states that parties are obliged to take measures to ensure the protection and safety of PWDs in situations of risks and humanitarian emergencies.
In situations of armed conflicts and other humanitarian emergencies, persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable, who are trapped and suffer the debilitating effects of it. And the story of PWDs in Ukraine and Russia is not going to be any different.
In a press statement to DisabilityNewsGH.com, Mr. Ofori-Debrah says, “In the heat of bombardments of civilian targets against international norms of war and people fleeing to safety zones or across borders to neighboring countries, naturally, PWDs including the blind are stuck in homes for the missiles to decide their fate. One needs not to stretch the imagination to fathom the trauma, anguish, anxiety, and stress that grip them in the face of these horrifying experiences”.
“In accordance with UN convention on the rights of PWDs, article 11, which states that parties are obliged to take measures to ensure the protection and safety of PWDs in situations of risks and humanitarian emergencies, I make a passionate appeal to the warring leaders of attacking and defending countries to mutually reach a truce to allow for the evacuation of PWDs to safety sanctuaries. International humanitarian organisations should target PWDs in their rescue and support mission”.
He further urges International Disability Organisations to put pressure on the international community to ensure that PWDs in Ukraine and Russia are safe.
“International Disability Organizations should not relent but mount persistent and consistent pressure on the international community to act with dispatch to secure the safety of PWDs in Ukraine”, he adds.
Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debrah also urges President Putin to heed the global appeal to discontinue his invasion and engage in peace talks with his Ukrainian counterpart for permanent resolution of their disagreements and curtail human suffering.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH