Monday 3rd December saw the biggest celebration of International Disability Day in Lesotho's history. Over 500 people with disabilities gathered in Teya Teyaneng to march and dance their way through the town centre, before greeting Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and most of his cabinet Ministers at Masupha square. The procession was followed by an official ceremony which included speeches and live entertainment; in addition to the launch of a new photo exhibition about disability. 'Breaking the Barriers' explores the lives of ten people in Lesotho who are living with disabilities, and highlights both the barriers they face in our society and the strength and determination which many have shown to overcome the challenges facing them.

The theme for this year's celebration was 'decent work for people with disabilities' and the President of the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD), Lehlohonolo Mafofo, called for better employment opportunities for the disabled. He also urged the government to sign and ratify the new International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which would mean the government was legally bound to protect the rights of the disabled under international human rights law. The Prime Minister responded by saying that the government is currently considering whether to join the Convention, and needs to fully understand its requirements before taking any further action.

LNFOD are preparing to launch a new campaign on disability in the New Year. If you are interested in getting involved, or in displaying the Breaking the Barriers photo exhibition, please contact LNFOD office at lnfod@lesoff.co.za or on 2232 0345.