Charles Jean-Jacques, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, proceeded this week in the presence of Gerald Oriol, Jr., Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, various personalities including Fréderic Bolduc, the Special Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Haiti to the installation of eight members of the National Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons (CONARHAN) : Ms. Marie Michelle Ambroise (Representing Ministry of Health)) ; Ms. Jessie Pierre St Louis (Representing Ministry of Health)) ; Yves Gerald Bourgeaud (Representing Ministry of National Education), 3 Representative of the organizations responsible for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Manuel H. Desquiron, Jean Marie Legouter and Jean Chevalier Sanon ; Joel Edouard Vorbe (Representative of Employers) and Patrick Numa (Representative of Labor).

Appointed by Presidential Decree on the recommendation of the Minister of Social Affairs, for a period of two years renewable, CONARHAN members who are not paid, are working to improve living conditions of people with disabilities of all categories, from urban and rural environments on economic, moral education medical health and social plan, for their full participation on an equal basis in the life of the nation.

In his speech, addressing the new Council members, the Minister stressed "The tasks assigned to you is a priesthood and requiresfrom you a sense of transcendence, altruism and patriotic sacrifice whose the dimension has only for equal the nobility of the cause to defend."

In his speech for the occasion, Gérald Oriol, Jr. declard "[...] To be brief, today, the issue of disability in Haiti focuses on a few key elements. In particular, there is the issue of universal access in the development of streets and sidewalks, public buildings housing both public and private administrations, schools, hospitals and health centers, homes, churches, recreation centers, public places. This first aspect of universal accessibility should open access to particular services to people with disabilities and services commonly shared with all citizens. Therefore address the issue of disability involves intersectoral and multi-sectoral interventions. Handicap is therefore a cross-cutting issue. And this is the taking into account of this transversality, which can compete effectively in the aim pursued: the autonomy of people with disabilities. This will necessarily involve access to education, health, labor and employment, but also the construction of a non-hostile social environment that accepts and respects the right to difference, promotes recognition of another and equity values.

We must learn to treat each person with respect and dignity regardless of appearances. This is why the issue of disability falls today with more force in the national political agenda. In addition to a reformed legal framework with the law of 13 March 2012 and the ratification of two international conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities, we must work hard to build a supportive social environment favorable to equality, human rights and integration of minorities. As members of CONARHAN, you carry this project for an integrated Haiti and reconciled with itself. [...]"

HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre