Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe recently took a huge step forward in protecting the rights of people with disabilities when the African Disability Protocol (ADP) was formally ratified.
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 the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) and Deaf Zimbabwe Trust (OPDs).
NASCOH Acting Executive Director, Ms. Joyce Matara said that this is a 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.
The National Director for FODPZ Mr Leornad Marange who is also the Chairperson for Equal Zimbabwe said that the step made by the Zimbabwean government is a commitment towards promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
“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,” he said.
The ADP builds on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which was the first comprehensive human rights treaty of this century. But unlike the UNCRPD, the ADP addresses the specific and unique forms of discrimination that affect the more than 80 million people with disabilities living in African countries.
The protocol will ensure that member countries have a duty to create and enact disability specific laws and policies in line with the treaty. It will also allow their citizens to hold them to account.
The Executive Director of Deaf Zimbabwe Trust Ms Barbra Nyangairi said that they are delighted that this important human rights charter has finally been ratified by the Zimbabwean government.
“It has been a long journey – but this is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive society where people with disabilities are protected by specific laws which cater to their needs,” she said.
Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign is working alongside Persons with Disabilities in 13 countries who are calling on their governments to ratify the ADP and protect the rights of people with disabilities across the continent.
For more information on the Equal World campaign and the call to ratify the ADP, please visit: https://campaigning.sightsavers.org/the-african-disability-protocol/
About Author
