DAR ES SALAAM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Wednesday pledged to support Tanzania in ensuring full participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making in issues affecting them.

Mark Schreiner, the UNFPA country representative for Tanzania, said protecting and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities is a human right imperative and is essential for continued strong economic growth in the country.

Schreiner made the remarks in a meeting between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and persons with disabilities held at Chamwino State House in the capital of Dodoma.

Schreiner said Tanzania needs solid data and evidence on persons with disabilities in order to deliver on its commitment to achieving its development aspirations as set out in its development plans. He also said the August 2022 Population and Housing Census will provide a unique opportunity for an update of the situation of persons with disabilities in Tanzania by age, sex, disability and geographic location.

"There is a need to understand their potential and their realities to inform national planning, policies and programs and determine resource allocation to implement Tanzania's commitments to promote the rights of persons with disabilities," he stressed. - Xinhua

Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Lisa Peterson will travel to Bujumbura, Burundi, March 14-15, and to Kampala, Uganda, March 16-17, to underscore the United States’ commitment to the protection and advancement of human rights and democracy in Africa’s Great Lakes region.

In Bujumbura, Acting Assistant Secretary Peterson will meet with government and civil society leaders to discuss good governance, the protection of human rights, and continued reform efforts by President Ndayishimiye following the termination of the Burundi sanctions program in November 2021. Her visit will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to engage with countries that seek reforms.

In Kampala, Acting Assistant Secretary Peterson will meet with government officials, members of parliament, and civil society leaders to stress the importance of holding accountable those who commit human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and torture. Her trip will highlight the United States’ support of the Ugandan people and our commitment to working together to advance democracy, protect the freedoms of expression and association, and promote respect for human rights.

For media inquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. - U.S. Department of State

South Sudan's Archbishop of Juba, Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, said preparations towards the Pope's visit have started. "As a Conference, we have appointed a four-man committee to begin the work of preparations, and this committee will also work with a government committee," he said.

Pope expected to encourage reconciliation

Archbishop Ameyu disclosed that the Bishops' Conference and the entire nation were delighted with the forthcoming visit. They hope that Pope Francis' presence in their country will promote peace among them.

"As a nation and Church, we feel honoured and exulted by the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to South Sudan," said Archbishop Ameyu. He continued, "It will be a great moment for all South Sudanese to rally around peace and reconciliation, and we hope the Holy Father will encourage all of us to move the path of dialogue, peace and justice for the consolidation of peace in the county."

Archbishop Ameyu said the Church in South Sudan also appreciates the recent appointment of Bishops as most dioceses in the country had been vacant.

Ecumenical dimension of the visit

The Archbishop of Juba acknowledged the ecumenical aspect of the Pope's visit.

"The visit of his Holiness has an ecumenical dimension. Concurrently, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland will also be present during the apostolic visit in South Sudan," he said.

Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, in 2019, announced their intention to travel together to South Sudan.

AMECEA region delighted to host the Pope

Speaking on behalf of the regional Bishops' Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), the association's chairperson, Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, expressed the region's joy in hosting Pope Francis again after he visited Kenya and Uganda in 2015.

"We are very happy, and we are looking forward to receiving our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in South Sudan," said Bishop Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese in Zambia. He added "I am very delighted." - Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA – Nairobi, Kenya. / Vatican News