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Disability Issues
Dr Christine Peta
THIS WEEK, we focus on the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which is observed on December 3 annually.
The IDPD was set aside by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1992 and has been celebrated every year since then.
The day aims to promote awareness and support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, as well as draw attention to the importance of integrating them in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life.
The IDPD theme for this year is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
The theme magnifies the importance of the leadership role of persons with disabilities in both local and global efforts to establish and sustain more inclusive and sustainable societies.
In line with this theme, we are elated by the recent (November 19, 2024) appointment of Rossy Mpofu to the position of Special Adviser on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
The development magnifies the persistent high-level Government commitment towards pushing forward the national disability agenda of Zimbabwe.
The bottom line is that persons with disabilities represent one of the most marginalised minority groups in the world.
Eighty percent of them live in developing countries and more than half are women.
Due to marginalisation, discrimination, stigma and barriers to accessing basic services, they disproportionately bear the impact of crises that are damaging our world, including climate change.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres asserts that, through the Pact for the Future, adopted by world leaders in September 2024, countries are committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations, thus driving change across communities and advocating their rightful place in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Activities held on the IDPD are often organised by UN member states, UN organisations, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders. The main international event will be held on December 3, 2024, from 10am to 11am, at the UN headquarters in New York.
In Zimbabwe, the main IDPD commemorations will be held at the Jairos Jiri Centre in Kadoma, Mashonaland West province, on December 4, 2024.
The event is expected to bring together diverse stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their family members, at a platform that serves to advocate their rights and dignity. At this year’s IDPD commemorations in Kadoma, the Government will also launch the Costed National Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Disability Policy (2025-2029).
This was developed by the Department of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). But do persons with disabilities really matter?
From a Christian perspective, many biblical scriptures highlight the importance of supporting and including persons with disabilities in all facets of life, reflecting that, just like everyone else, persons with disabilities are created in the image of God and are valuable.
Such Christian ethos resonates with provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006, which directs state parties to ensure the active and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all facets of
life.
In any case, persons with disabilities contribute to the diversity of society, bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enhance community life.
Their inclusion promotes equality and social justice, fosters environments that respect and value all people, drives innovation and develops creative solutions and approaches to problem-solving.
Let us all join hands in promoting, protecting and respecting the rights of persons with disabilities and, in line with this year’s theme, amplify their leadership for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She is the national director of disability affairs in Zimbabwe. She can be contacted on: [email protected]
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