South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Constitution-Making and Democratic Engagement Consortium (CMDEC) is advocating for the meaningful inclusion of persons with hearing impairment in the ongoing constitutional review process.
In a press release issued to the media on Wednesday, the group expressed concerns about the low engagement of individuals with hearing impairments in various forums related to constitution-making, particularly highlighting the insufficient priority given to sign language interpretation.
“We have observed a concerning absence of provisions to engage people with hearing impairments in critical civic education and public consultation sessions. The constitution, as the supreme law of the land, must reflect the voices of all citizens, irrespective of their abilities,” the document stated.
The CMDEC urges the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and its partners to take concrete steps to ensure that persons with hearing impairments are fully included at every stage of the constitution-making process. “Without proper action, this vital segment of society risks being excluded from a historic process that will shape the future of our nation,” part of the press release noted.
One of CMDEC’s key demands is for sign language interpretation to be provided at all civic education forums, public consultations, and stakeholder meetings. The group believes this will facilitate equal access to information and enable persons with hearing impairments to fully engage in discussions.
CMDEC is also advocating for the development of accessible materials, such as captioned videos, written briefs, and simplified formats, to help individuals with hearing impairments better understand the issues being discussed.
The consortium emphasises the importance of collaborating with organisations representing persons with disabilities, particularly those advocating for the deaf community, in the planning and implementation of outreach programmes.
“Their involvement will help ensure that the perspectives of people with hearing impairments are fully represented and that our voices are heard,” the press release stated.
Another significant concern raised by CMDEC is the need for representation of persons with hearing impairments in consultative bodies, committees, and thematic groups involved in the constitutional review process.
“It is vital that these individuals have a seat at the table, ensuring their input is considered in shaping the new constitution,” the CMDEC spokesperson noted.
CMDEC urges the NCRC to allocate specific resources for disability inclusion. “Accessibility is not just about logistics; it requires both planning and financial commitment,” the spokesperson explained.
“Dedicated resources are essential to ensure that the process is inclusive and accessible to all.”
The consortium emphasised that the call for inclusion is not merely a matter of constitutional equality and non-discrimination, but a fundamental right for all citizens.
“Every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, should have their voice heard in the formation of the new constitution,” the press statement asserted.
The CMDEC expressed hope that the NCRC would take swift action to ensure that the constitution-making process is genuinely inclusive, allowing persons with hearing impairments to actively participate and contribute to this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
