The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities as part of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated under the theme, “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusivity and equality.”
The ZHRC acknowledged the strides made by the Zimbabwean government, including the ratification of key international protocols such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the African Disability Protocol.
On the national front, significant legal frameworks like the 2013 Constitution, the 2021 National Disability Policy, and the pending Persons with Disabilities Bill (2023) represent milestones in the quest for equality.
However, the commission emphasised the urgent need for the swift enactment of the proposed Bill to strengthen protections and enhance the empowerment of people with disabilities.
Persistent Barriers Demand Immediate Action
Despite these advances, persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe continue to face systemic challenges, including limited accessibility to public services, discriminatory stereotypes, and economic marginalisation.
These obstacles hinder the fulfillment of their rights and potential.
The ZHRC urged the government to intensify efforts to eliminate these barriers by ensuring public facilities and programs are accessible and inclusive.
Moreover, the commission called for disability mainstreaming across all sectors, urging civil society organizations, private enterprises, and local communities to work together in fostering an inclusive society.
The ZHRC’s statement highlights the need for collective responsibility to promote equity and inclusivity. “Together, let us build a more inclusive Zimbabwe where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” the commission asserted.
While statements of solidarity are vital, meaningful change requires action.
This includes ensuring the operationalisation of disability-friendly laws, increasing public awareness to counter stigma, and fostering economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Local innovations, like accessible infrastructure and inclusive employment policies, must complement national policies.
As the country moves forward, the ZHRC’s call to action serves as a reminder: empowering persons with disabilities isn’t just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that benefits the entire society.
An inclusive Zimbabwe is a stronger Zimbabwe.