Online Reporter
Disability Issues
Dr Christine Peta
IN recognition of Heroes Day, which we observe in August annually, in honour of Zimbabwe’s liberation war heroes and heroines, this article focuses on the intersection of disability and conflict.
As we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Zimbabwe’s protracted armed liberation struggle, we must also remember the devastating impact of war on people — causing not only death but also disabilities.
Conflict can also worsen existing disabilities.
Direct causes of disability in conflict include injuries from violence, explosions, gunfire and other combat-related trauma.
These can result in long-term physical impairments like amputations, paralysis or brain injuries.
Beyond direct combat, essential medical services often collapse in war zones.
Hospitals may be destroyed or become inaccessible, leading to untreated injuries or illnesses that become disabling.
Displaced populations are also vulnerable to disease outbreaks, like polio, which can cause permanent disabilities.
People with pre-existing disabilities are at a higher risk of harm, neglect and exclusion during conflict.
This vulnerability is often compounded by factors like gender and age, placing them at significantly greater risk compared to other civilians.
For example, emergency warnings and evacuation routes are often inaccessible, leaving many unable to flee from danger.
Many lose their mobility aids during conflict, making movement and access to help nearly impossible.
Likewise, people with disabilities may experience targeted violence.
Women and girls, in particular, face heightened risks of sexual violence.
Humanitarian assistance, such as food, shelter and medical care, is often not designed with accessibility in mind, leaving many without support.
Malnutrition and a lack of medical care can worsen existing conditions or lead to new disabilities, especially among children.
Many humanitarian organisations treat all civilians as a single, homogenous group, overlooking the unique needs of people with disabilities.
International humanitarian law (IHL) is steadily evolving to better protect people with disabilities in conflict zones, shifting from a passive view of protection to one rooted in rights, inclusion and dignity.
While IHL traditionally focused on protecting civilians, it is now being interpreted more inclusively to account for the specific vulnerabilities of people with disabilities.
This shift is highlighted by key developments, such as the following:
United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2475 (2019): This landmark resolution, adopted long after Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, calls for the inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian responses and peace-building efforts.
Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): This article explicitly addresses the protection of people with disabilities in situations of risk, including armed conflict, promoting equal access to services and safeguarding their dignity.
As we remember the sacrifices of Zimbabwe’s heroes and heroines on Heroes Day, we also acknowledge the Government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of those who acquired disabilities as a result of the liberation struggle.
The robust implementation of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12), the War Victims Compensation Act (Chapter 11:16) and the National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe (2021), among other policies, clearly demonstrates this commitment.
Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She can be contacted on: [email protected]
Online Reporter