Vice President Lucia Witbooi says the government is making progress in improving the accessibility of buildings for wheelchair users.
She says the government is committed to protecting the rights and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities through equal employment opportunities, inclusive education and protection against abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Witbooi was speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Christmas Party at the Kufamosha Information Disability Centre in the Oshikoto Region.
The president commended the centre's founder, Petrus Theofelus, for his contribution towards promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities.
"The government is committed, and we are trying our level best to be inclusive. There might be here and there a building that is not accessible, but many buildings are accessible for persons with disabilities. Let us not negotiate when it comes to people with disabilities and the marginalised communities."
She said commitments must go beyond legal documents, policies and international declarations.
"Too often, the greatest barriers faced by people with disabilities are not their conditions, but discrimination, stigma and exclusion. We must therefore work collectively to build a society that values ability, embraces diversity and leaves no one behind. This requires practical action."
"We must create an environment where persons with disabilities have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, information, infrastructure and opportunities to participate fully in community and national development," added Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi.
The centre's spokesperson, Wilhelmina Kashima, who spoke on behalf of its founder, Petrus Theofelus, says the centre has changed the lives of many people with disabilities.
"The reason for the Christmas party is to unite people with disabilities, celebrate and support one another, knowing that they are not left out in the community. Somewhere in our communities, there are people who have never been to school, while others are locked indoors because their families are ashamed to show them and fear what the community will say."
The Office of the Presidency donated food parcels and three mobility walkers to the centre.
The event was held under the theme, "Know Me for My Ability, Not My Disability".