Govt should empower all citizens

GOVERNEMNT should empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of their disabilities, says Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia global alliance regional coordinator Sajal Gupta.

Speaking at a press briefing Mr Gupta said there was need for improvement of the quality of life of persons with disabilities by campaigning for the removal of all forms of barriers that hindered them from achieving their full potential.

Mr Gupta said with the upcoming celebration of the annual International day of persons with disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, with the theme Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusive and equality, there was need for government to ensure that equal access to services that supported inclusion in the community and prevented isolation or segregation from the community for persons with disabilities.

“This theme focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for the inclusive, equitable and sustainable development envisaged in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development,” he said.

He said that government should guarantee persons with disabilities with equal legal protection against discrimination on all grounds.

Mr Gupta said that the observance of the annual celebration would aim at promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

“It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life,” he said. Mr Gupta said that this year’s celebration would take place at the Youth Development Centre (OYDC).

Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia was a non-profit organisation and a member of Global Alliance of Leonard Cheshire.

The organisation has been working with children and persons with disabilities for the past 45 years from 1973 when it was first registered.