3RD SESSION OF THE AU CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 27, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
When: 29-30 November 2012
Theme: " Promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities."
Where: African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Why: The Ministers will consider the Report of the Experts' Meeting, as
well as accompanying documentation, including
recommendations regarding the way forward to address the
concerns of the persons with disabilities, older persons in Africa,
children and matters pertaining to promotion of social policy
intervention.
Who: Organized by the Department of Social Affairs of the AUC
Participants :
Ministers responsible for Social Development and Experts/Officials from AU Member States, the RECs, the AU Commission and AU Organs, UN Agencies, Development Partners, International, Regional and National Organizations, including CSO's dealing with social development issues, Independent Experts and Resource Persons, and Special Guests.
Objectives of the meeting:
The key focus of the meeting will be to consider policy, activities and organizational structures to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Continent. Measures to address the wellbeing of children and families in Africa will also be considered, as well measures to facilitate implementation of the Social Policy Framework for Africa.
Expected outcomes:
i. The Continental Plan of Action of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2010 – 2019);
ii. Decisions on the proposed African Union Disability Architecture;
iii. Proposal for the Restructuring of the African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI);
iv. Decisions on the Implementation of the Call for Accelerated Action on the Plan of Action Towards Africa Fit for Children;
v. Decisions on Best Practices for Social Protection measures towards vulnerable groups in Member States.
vi. An African Common Position on Good Practices in Family Policy development and implementation, for the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2014.
The draft programme of the meeting is attached.
Journalists are invited to cover the Ministerial meeting which will begin at 9:30 AM at the AU Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday 29th November.