The Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding urgent action to address unemployment among qualified graduates with disabilities.
The call follows a petition from the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities, which is seeking government intervention to improve their access to employment opportunities.
The Coalition wants qualified unemployed graduates on its verified list to be recruited into the public service. It is also calling for strict enforcement of the employment quota for persons with disabilities in public sector recruitment and incentives for private employers who hire qualified persons with disabilities.
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The group says despite acquiring the necessary academic qualifications and skills, many graduates with disabilities continue to struggle to secure jobs.
The Minority cited Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution, which protects persons with disabilities from discrimination and exploitation.
It also referenced the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), which requires the State to assist persons with disabilities to secure employment and provides incentives for employers who engage them.
The Caucus said it would push for measures to bridge the gap between these legal protections and the realities faced by persons with disabilities in the job market.
It assured the Coalition that its petition would receive the necessary attention, stressing that employment opportunities should be determined by competence and ability, not disability.
