CELEBRATION OF IDPD 2025 REPORT – MAHAMA REFUGEE CAMP

On 3rd December 2025, Mahama Refugee Camp, in collaboration with MINEMA, UNHCR, the Disability Committee, refugee community leaders, and all partners, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

This event served as an important platform for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to express their feelings, showcase achievements, and advocate for inclusion. It also provided an opportunity for leaders representing PWDs in various committees to reaffirm their commitment to advocacy.

Globally, IDPD 2025 was commemorated under the theme:
“Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
At the national level in Rwanda, the theme was:
“DUSHYIGIKIRE UMURYANGO UDAHEZA ABANTU BAFITE UBUMUGA; ISHINGIRO RY’IMIBEREHO MYIZA.”

This theme reminds the world that social development, poverty eradication, decent work, and social integration cannot succeed unless persons with disabilities are fully included.

The celebration followed a series of activities during Disability Week, including:

• Awareness campaigns at satellite and Paysnnat schools
• Sensitization at the gas distribution site
• Community awareness at Munini Cell during Inteko y’Abaturage
• Inclusive recreational activities such as seated volleyball and handball matches organized by older persons

The event featured a commemorative parade from the Women Opportunity Center to YFS TRUST, cultural performances such as Burundian Ingoma drumming, live music by PWDs, and a theatre sketch by an inclusive youth club demonstrating community support for persons with disabilities.

Speeches emphasized the annual theme and the importance of building inclusive societies as a pathway to socio-economic development.

The Inclusion Officer (PFR staff) explained the significance of IDPD as a platform for advocacy and a joyful occasion to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The day reminds the world that PWDs are as valuable as everyone else. It also reflects the commitment of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), affirming that PWDs have the right to live, learn, work, enjoy life, develop financially, and receive care.

The representative of PWDs thanked MINEMA, UNHCR, and all partners for their continued support in celebrating IDPD annually, which demonstrates respect for the rights of PWDs. He highlighted specific needs, including:

• Assistive devices
• Specialized medical care to correct deformities and prevent disabilities
• Eye treatment to prevent blindness
• Supplementary feeding for children with chewing difficulties
• Access to special schools for children unable to attend regular schools
• Inclusion in socio-economic programs to promote self-reliance

The UNHCR representative expressed gratitude to all partners for their commitment and encouraged families and communities to continue caring for children with disabilities.

The MINEMA representative, as Guest of Honor, thanked the organizing team and stressed the importance of preventing GBV against youth and women with disabilities. She also promised that MINEMA will continue advocating for the specific needs highlighted by the PWDs’ representative.