Down Syndrome South Africa

12/06/2026

By Staff Writer Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga called for a shift from symbolic inclusion to meaningful representation of persons with Down syndrome in decision-making processes. The COSP19 sid…

12/06/2026

What a privilege for Down Syndrome South Africa to participate in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) and to host an online side event in partnership with the South African Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the African Down Syndrome Network , and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

As we reflected on 20 years of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), one message was clear: significant progress has been made, but there is still much work to do.

Some of the key messages emerging from our discussions included:

🔹 Nothing About Us Without Us
Persons with intellectual disabilities must not only have a seat at the table – they must have a voice at the table. Meaningful representation requires that persons with intellectual disabilities speak for themselves, participate in decision-making processes, and are supported to exercise autonomy and self-determination. Supported decision-making is essential to ensuring that people are empowered to make their own choices and decisions.

🔹 A Shared Understanding of Inclusive Education
There remains an urgent need for a universal understanding of what inclusive education truly means. Inclusive education is all learners attending their local general education schools, learning alongside their peers, and receiving the support they need to succeed.

Inclusive education is not placement in a special school.
Inclusive education is not a separate class within a mainstream school.

The goal is not to create more special schools. The goal is to transform education systems so that every learner, regardless of disability, can access quality education within their community.

We must hold State Parties accountable for fulfilling their obligations under Article 24 of the CRPD and ensuring that inclusive education becomes a reality for every child, in every country.

The voices of self-advocates from across Africa reminded us that representation, inclusion, and equal rights are not aspirations for the future—they are rights that must be realised today.

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Our self-advocates have spoken. they don't only want a seat at the table, they want their voices to be included in discussions- because decisions made for persons with disabilities, it affects their lives. Give them a voice at the table.

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Today at , we are proud to support an important side event led by Down Syndrome South Africa

"Nothing About Us Without Us: Self-Advocates Moving from Participation to Representation"

📅 Today, Thursday 11 June | 🕦 11:30am – 12:45pm EST | Online

For 20 years, the CRPD has said that persons with disabilities must be part of decisions that affect their lives. But being in the room is not the same as having real power.

This event will hear directly from self-advocates, people with intellectual disabilities who speak up for themselves, about what it means to move from being consulted to being leaders.

Join us, or follow along here. 🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kUJQ9G5XSbuyr2PU_niboA

African Down Syndrome Network| Disability Rights Fund | South African Permanent Mission to the UN

11/06/2026