Roseline Mutare
The Persons with Disabilities Bill [H.B. 2, 2023] gazetted on February 9, 2024, aims to operationalize constitutional provisions relating to the rights of persons with disabilities and domesticate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The bill establishes a Commission for Persons with Disabilities to oversee its operationalization.
According to the Joint Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and Thematic Committee on Gender Development, public consultations on the bill revealed overwhelming support for the legislation.
The public generally agreed that persons with disabilities should be prioritized as beneficiaries of social protection schemes and have free and easy access to health and education services. There was also a consensus on the need for an independent commission, similar to Chapter 12 Commissions, without ministerial interference.
The Committee noted that persons with disabilities want to be in control of their affairs, with the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission being a qualified disabled person.
The Committee made several recommendations, including increasing the Commission for Persons with Disabilities from seven to ten commissioners to represent the ten provinces, establishing a register for disabled persons, and ensuring free access to education and health services.
The bill’s implementation is expected to significantly improve the lives of disabled persons in Zimbabwe, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.
