"Nothing without us": Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Law-making Process of Ethiopia
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Authors
Mekuanent, Hiwot Abebe
Date
2024-09-12
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Disability , Human Rights , Participation , Law-making Process
Alternative Title
Abstract
It is common to hear the slogan, "Nothing about us without us." Recently, there has been a shift to "Nothing without us." However, globally, the role of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the decision-making process is often devalued. The CRPD considers the participation of PWDs in public affairs, including the law-making process, a fundamental human right.
In Ethiopia, there is a dearth of evidence regarding when and how PWDs are included in the law-making process that directly or indirectly concerns them. Thus, this dissertation aims to assess the participation of PWDs in the law-making process in Ethiopia. The thesis examines a case study of Directive No. 41/2015 and the Organization of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019. I employed qualitative and exploratory research methods. According to the interview participants, there is a general improvement in the participation of PWDs in the law-making process in Ethiopia. In the first case study, Directive (2015), PWDs did participate in the enactment process; however, their participation was not up to the standards set under the CRPD. The main reasons were that enough time was not allocated for them to express their ideas in depth, they did not get a chance to review the law's final version before enactment, and most of their ideas and suggestions were not included in the law's final version, without explanation. The second case study, CSO Proclamation (2019), shows that PWDs had active participation. The research data also revealed that the participation level of PWDs in the enactment process of these case studies mainly depends on the government’s political will and commitment. Moreover, the research also found that the charity model of disability persists among legislators in Ethiopia. In conclusion, the level of PWDs’ participation was not uniform and systematic in the two case studies, which is not in line with the standards set under the CRPD. The dissertation concludes with general recommendations for the government, OPDs, and CSOs to ensure the active participation of PWDs in the law-making process in Ethiopia. Additionally, specific recommendations are provided to make Directive (2015) more beneficial for the majority of PWDs in Ethiopia.
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This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International