Human Rights

NCDPZ advocates for disability commission

MARTIN MAWAYA

GWERU-The National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) has called for fair regional and gender representation in the proposed disability commission.

In its submissions to the parliamentary portfolio committee during the public hearing on the Disability Bill in Gweru on Friday, NCDPZ said the commission must consist of individuals from the disability community and should accommodate diverse impairments to ensure equitable representation.

NCDPZ representative, Tawanda Mashava submitted that, “The bill should be amended on the eligibility requirements for appointment to the commission, to include persons with disabilities who are not seconded by organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)”.

He said the NCDPZ believes that the commission should be selected through public interviews, similar to other commissions.

He argued that Parliament is better positioned to appoint the disability commission.

“The Minister cannot appoint commissioners for persons with disabilities as this is likely to present a conflict of interest whereby the appointing authority is further charged with responsibility of implementing disability policies and programmes.

“A parliamentary committee on standing rules and orders is therefore most appropriate for this task as is the case with other commissions.

“On the same note, civil servants are charged with the duty to create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities, as such their presence on the commission is therefore likely to stifle it’s policy making capabilities due to conflict of interest and conflation,” he said.

Furthermore, NCDPZ expressed concerns about the narrow functions of the commission as outlined in the bill.

They said the limitations would reduce the commission to a mere disability board with no powers beyond the ministerial advisory role.

NCDPZ recommended amending the bill to limit ministerial powers and empower the commission to undertake advisory role to the minister on issues affecting persons with disability.

They proposed that the bill provide for disability desks in all public institutions.

The organization emphasized the need to promote the independence of the disability commission and grant it the authority to investigate and conduct inquiries.

Additionally, the NCDPZ wanted the removal of Section 51 of the Bill, which refers to the director of disability affairs.

They argued that the director of disability affairs should not have a role in the commission, even as an ex-officio member, and instead suggested that an executive officer act in that capacity.

Nyasha Mahwende, another participant and disability advocate, called for a review of the new Disability Bill, noting that the current proposed legislation does not promote inclusivity.

Mahwende highlighted that there are pertinent issues concerning people with disabilities (PWDs) which remained unaddressed.

Meanwhile, NCDPZ recommended fixing the tenure of commissioners at five years.

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