BY CYNTHIA NKHATA
The Zambia Federation of disabilities is expectant that president Hichilema will be keen to deliberately include among his appointments persons with disabilities who qualify to serve as nominated members of parliament.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, ZAFOD Vice president Paul Mbewe lamented how persons with disabilities have been left out further hoping that he will go down in history as the first President to demonstrate inclusivity in governance practical ways.
“Over the years several pronouncements have been made by successive governments claiming to commit themselves to the disability course and yet to date no meaningful change has been realized, we only hope that the UPND government will facilitate the implementation of the UNCRPD through the disability act No.6 of 2012,” He said.
And Disability Rights Watch Vice chairperson Grace Nkhuwa said it is very important for the new government to prioritise the building of consensus around the constitution to allow for an electoral system that will affirmatively provide for effective self-representation of persons with disabilities, women and the youth in the governance structures of the country.
“Currently, as persons with disabilities, we feel dejected, un-Zambian and largely left behind,” She said.
Mrs. Nkhuwa said they expect the UPND government to adequately address the systemic marginalisation and exclusion of persons with disabilities from public life.
“We expect the UPND government to adequately address the systemic marginalisation and exclusion of persons with disabilities from public life, if this systematic exclusion and marginalisation is left unchecked, it will continue to hinder not only the full realisation of human rights but also unity of the nation and could potentially dilute your efforts uniting this country and creating equal opportunities for every citizen,” she said.
She has also appealed to all political parties to ensure inclusivity in their party structures, manifestos and adoptions candidates.
“We further appeal to all political parties to ensure inclusivity in their party structures, manifestos and adoptions of candidates,” She added.