Public urged to scrutinise Disability Bill before it becomes law

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabweans should critically examine the Disability Bill and ensure that it becomes an inclusive law when Parliament conducts hearings on the proposed legislation from Monday next week.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Dorothy Mashonganyika said everyone should be involved in the hearings to have a solid law for the disabled.

“The Disability Act of 1992 has become outdated and the Disability Bill whose hearings begin next Monday seeks to align to international best practices while also being in tandem with the country’s Constitution,” she said.

“This is why we are urging the public to attend these hearings with commitment and dedication to ensure the process is inclusive and representative of voices, experiences, and aspirations of people with disabilities.”

Mashonganyika encouraged stakeholders to participate and share their opinions to create a non-discriminatory and equitable society.

“Most importantly those with disabilities should be given space and time to express themselves around this Bill.

“Let us work expeditiously to pass this Bill into law to strengthen the already existing Disability Policy and move towards a future where people with disabilities are valued, respected and empowered to realize their potential just like everyone else,” she said.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Beatrice Nyamupinga commended Sight savers, a local non-governmental organization, for creating numerous platforms for disability organizations countrywide to debate the Bill and come up with various inputs that will be useful during the Parliamentary hearings.

She said it was essential that the voices of persons with disabilities shape the policies and legislation that directly affect them.

“That Bill needs persons with disabilities to speak for themselves and be supported because they best know what they want for themselves. This is a crucial time to polish up everything that has been done so that we pass this Bill into law.

“The development of this Bill has been a collective effort guided by the voices and experiences of those directly affected by its provisions, it is a testament to the power of unity and the tireless efforts of all those who have championed this cause,” she said.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.

The country has also made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and equity through formulating the Disability policy in 2021.

New Ziana