The National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) and Deaf Zimbabwe Trust (OPDs) has welcomed the ratification of the African Disability protocol saying it was vital in tackling harmful practices.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Mercy Dinha moved a motion on the ratification a process required by the constitution in Parliament last week.
Zimbabwe ratified the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s rights on the rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted on January 29, 2018.
The primary objective of the protocol is to promote, safeguard and ensure the complete and equal exercise of all human and people’s rights for individuals with disabilities in Africa, as well as to ensure respect for their inherent dignity.
The protocol is the first pan-African human rights treaty that specifically addresses forms of discrimination affecting people with disabilities in the continent, such as harmful practices, beliefs, and superstitions.
The push for ratification follows years of campaigning and lobbying led by Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign, in partnership with local organisations of persons with disabilities, which include NASCOH and OPD.
NASCOH acting executive director Joyce Matara said the ratification was an historic moment for Zimbabwe and for persons with disabilities across Africa.
“The ADP is a vital instrument in tackling harmful practices, discrimination and inequality and improving the lives of millions of persons with disabilities within the African and Zimbabwean contexts,” she said
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OPD national director and Equal Zimbabwe chairman Leonard Marange said:
“The ratification of the ADP demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure they can access their rights on an equal basis with others. We now look forward to the domestication of the ADP.”
