People with disabilities urged to grab opportunities
THE Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO secretary general, Margaret Chirapa, has urged people living with disabilities to seize opportunities to dialogue with policymakers on issues concerning them.
Speaking at a workshop on strengthening disability rights accountability, Chirapa said they are pleased to see the continued capacity building of diverse stakeholders that are advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
“We look forward to the increased participation of people with disabilities in current and future policy and legislation development, implementation and review processes in Zimbabwe.
“There is recognition globally that a country which commits to promoting a multi-stakeholder approach to disability inclusion will succeed in the effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“As you are aware, Zimbabwe rectified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013 and the government continues to show commitment in working with diverse stakeholders in promoting national dialogue,” she said.
She said the Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO commends the coming together of the different actors to promote disability rights and inclusion.
“This will ensure that the organisations of people with disabilities are equipped with knowledge and skills to effectively dialogue with legislators and policymakers.
“The Government launched the National Disability Policy in 2021 and is now in the process of reviewing the National Disability Bill of 1992, so that this key piece of legislation aligns with the Convention Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“This is a way of making sure that we are capacitated to be able to dialogue at various levels of policymaking and legislation,” said Chirapa.