10 September - The Abyei Youth Union and the Persons with Disabilities Union (PwDU) held a workshop to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Abyei and brainstorm solutions for greater inclusion in all areas of life.

The secretary general of PwDU, Mr Wol Akonon said, “Disability is not an Inability” a message that resonated strongly with the audience. Another participant observed that “limited access to education, healthcare, and employment exacerbates the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, and poverty”.

The Abyei Youth Union President, Mr Deng Aguer, stressed that “inclusion requires active involvement from the community, local administration, and international partners in Abyei,” adding that “education and awareness is crucial to understand that physical, mental, or sensory impairments should not hinder full participation in the community”.

Participants called for greater investments in empowering individuals with disabilities, including employment quotas for persons with disabilities within the Administration, UNISFA, and UN AFP. Representatives from the Juba-appointed Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Youth and Education pledged to advocate for policies and practices that promote accessibility, including free education, medication, and priority access to healthcare services in Abyei, which highlighted the workshop's significance and impact.