Disability rights as human rights

DISABILITY rights are not special privileges; they are fundamental human rights.

Recognising this truth is essential to building societies rooted in dignity, equality and justice.

December, with its observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) and Human Rights Day (December 10), offers a timely reminder that disability rights must be understood and advanced as an inseparable part of the human rights agenda.

Disability rights embody the principles of dignity, equality and justice enshrined in international law and national constitutions.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) established the principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Building on this foundation, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006) reframed disability not as a medical condition but as a human rights issue.

The CRPD emphasises autonomy, accessibility, non-discrimination and participation, requiring states to dismantle barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from enjoying rights on an equal basis with others.

This shift is profound: It moves away from charity-based approaches and insists on justice.

Disability rights are about ensuring that every person can live, learn and work with dignity, free from exclusion and stigma.

Worldwide, 16 percent of the world population — about 1,3 billion people — are persons with disabilities, making them the largest minority group.

If we use the same ratio on the national population, we can assert that about 2,5 million people in Zimbabwe are persons with disabilities.

Within some African contexts, traditional beliefs associate disability with evil spirits, witchcraft and breaking of traditional taboos.

Some families, therefore, still lock up persons with disabilities in their homes or deny children with disabilities the opportunity to attend school.

However, in Zimbabwe, disability rights advocacy has gained momentum through collaboration between the Government, development partners, civil society, organisations of persons with disabilities and grassroots organisations.

For example, the Disability Rights Indaba in Bulawayo, which took place from December 3 to 5, 2025, convened diverse stakeholders to adopt transformative resolutions.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition that disability inclusion is central to national development.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution (2013) guarantees equality and non-discrimination.

The National Disability Policy (2021) also provides a framework for inclusion.

Key dimensions of disability rights as human rights include:

Education — Inclusive education is a cornerstone of human rights. Children with disabilities must have access to mainstream schools with appropriate support, ensuring that they are not segregated or denied opportunities.

Employment — Work is both a right and a pathway to dignity. Policies must promote accessible workplaces, reasonable accommodation and equal pay.

Healthcare — Persons with disabilities have the right to quality healthcare, including rehabilitation and mental health services, without discrimination.

Political participation — Voting, representation and leadership are fundamental rights. Accessibility in electoral processes ensures that democracy is truly inclusive.

Accessibility — Physical, digital and social environments must be designed to include everyone. Accessibility is not a favour but a right.

A human rights approach insists that persons with disabilities are rights holders, not passive recipients of aid.

Organisations of persons with disabilities, supported by allies, continue to push disability rights onto national and global agendas.

Editorial campaigns, public dialogue and grassroots mobilisation have challenged stereotypes and influenced policy.

Way forward

Indeed, Zimbabwe and the rest of the world commemorated December’s observances, and the message is clear: Inclusion is not optional; it is a moral and legal imperative.

Strong laws must be backed by effective implementation.

Investment in accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, healthcare and inclusive education is essential.

Public awareness campaigns must dismantle stigma and celebrate diversity.

Disability rights are universal, hence international cooperation must be fostered to strengthen local efforts.

Inclusion is the essence of human rights, ensuring dignity, equality and justice for all.

Through courage and unwavering commitment, we can collaboratively build a world where inclusion is not an aspiration, but a lived reality for persons with disabilities.

Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She can be contacted on developafrica2020 @gmail.com