Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Zimbabwean government has achieved a significant milestone by officially passing the Persons with Disabilities Act. This landmark legislation replaces the outdated Disabled Persons Act of 1992 and marks a major victory for disability rights and equality in the country.
The successful passage follows a determined two-year campaign spearheaded by Equal Zimbabwe, a powerful coalition of over 20 disability organisations and civil society groups from across the nation.
Aligned with Global Standards
The new Act brings Zimbabwe’s legal framework into alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It is designed to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are upheld, protected, and fully recognized.
Key provisions of the new law include:
* Equal Recognition Before the Law: Guarantees legal capacity and the right to make decisions about one’s own life. * Outlawing Discrimination: Prohibits all forms of discrimination based on disability, particularly in employment and education.
* Access Guarantee: Guarantees the right to access public spaces, including public transport, public buildings, and information/communication technologies.
* Reasonable Accommodation: Mandates the government and service providers to provide necessary accommodations in all aspects of life.Focus Shifts to Implementation
Peter Bare, Director of Sightsavers in Zimbabwe, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of the Equal Zimbabwe campaign but stressed that the work is not over.”The next step is to ensure effective implementation,” he stated.
Bare urged the Second Republic of Zimbabwe to allocate more resources and establish robust oversight mechanisms to ensure the law translates into tangible improvements in the lives of people with disabilities, in line with the national mantra of leaving no one behind.
Brian Sithole, Co-founder of the Alive Albinism Initiative, echoed the excitement, calling the passing of the Act a “real turning point” that fills him with hope for a future where people with disabilities are fully supported and recognized in Zimbabwe.
The campaign’s success, driven by policy briefs, radio shows, and countrywide public consultations, is set to usher in a new era of equality.
