THE African Disabilities Protocol, a framework aimed at promoting the rights of people with disabilities across the continent, has taken a significant step following its launch in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.
The protocol, formulated by the African Union, seeks to provide equal opportunities for participation, non-discrimination and eco-opportunities for people with disabilities.
Speaking at the launch of the realisation of the African Disability Protocol (ADP), Peter Bare, Sight Savers country director, said the launch was a milestone to the realisation of rights of persons with disabilities.
“The launch of this realisation of the African Disabilities Protocol is happening at the right time,” Bare said.
“The project seeks to advance the rights of people with disabilities so that they participate fully so as to contribute to the development of the nation.”
He said the funding from the European Union would bolster the project so that it brings fruitful results.
“And with the funding from the European Union, we are going to further the agenda of disability and it is happening at the right time when Zimbabwe is discussing the disability framework,” Bare said.
“For your knowledge and information, Zimbabwe was the first African country to put in place disability law around 1992, where there are countries in the world with disabilities, were the first African country to create the disability law.
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“The three countries — Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia — are calling on all member States to ratify the African disability framework.
“The African Disabilities Protocol is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of people living with disabilities and ensure their rights are organised and are built.”
Bare said their “collective efforts” should create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The special advisor on disability issues in the Office of President and Cabinet, Rose Mpofu, who was represented at the launch by Talent Chirinzepi, said the second republic was committed to championing the rights of persons with disabilities
“His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in line with the government mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, is also working to talk and convening all its promises on persons with disability through the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) from our nation, where disability is a cross-cutting issue on all the 14 pillars of the development,” Mpofu said.
“There are also parts of the division structures that are currently being streamlined in our 10 provinces.
“This Africa disability protocol, realisation knowledge, reminds us of the values which acknowledges active participation of everyone and respect for the dignity of all people even those living with disabilities guided by unit of efforts and unit of direction as a country.
“It is also an affirmation of the self-reliance principles which are always equipped by His Excellency.”
The African Disabilities Protocol is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of people living with disabilities and ensure that their rights are recognised and are built.
Its collective efforts are expected to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
A National Disabilities Expo 2025 will take place in Victoria Falls in June.
European Union delegation to Zimbabwe deputy head of mission, Lourdes Chamorro said the project aligns their values and goals
“We are very proud to be, just even in the small part of it, participating in it and again, I thank you for that.”
Chamorro acknowledged government for supporting the project.
