About

Who We Are

The Tigray Disability Organizations Union (TDOU) is the leading umbrella body for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Founded on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), TDOU exists to ensure that persons with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities are fully included in the social, economic, and political life of their communities.

A Tigray where every person with a disability lives with full dignity and equal rights

To advocate, coordinate, and build the capacity of OPDs to advance disability rights in Tigray

Our foundation

Grounded in the UNCRPD

Everything TDOU does is anchored in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UNCRPD is the international human rights treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of persons with disabilities. It obliges governments to ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

  • Non-discrimination

    Equal treatment and opportunities for all persons regardless of disability.

  • Participation

    Persons with disabilities lead and shape decisions that affect their lives.

  • Accessibility

    Removing barriers so persons with disabilities can access services, spaces, and information.

  • Equality before the law

    Legal recognition and protection for persons with disabilities on an equal basis.

Our role

What TDOU Does

  • Coordination

    TDOU brings together OPDs across Tigray under a unified voice, coordinating efforts to avoid duplication and maximize impact for persons with disabilities.

  • Advocacy

    TDOU engages with the Tigray regional government, national institutions like the EHRC, and international partners to ensure disability rights are embedded in policy and law.

  • Capacity Building

    TDOU trains member organizations and grassroots disability advocates on their rights, documentation of violations, and engagement with transitional justice processes.

Want to work with us?

TDOU welcomes partnerships with donors, development organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups committed to disability inclusion.

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