By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Justice Minister has noted that barriers such as inaccessible physical infrastructure, lack of disability-sensitive legal services, and limited representation of persons with disabilities in legal and political spaces, continue to hinder access to justice.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Inclusion and Rights Meeting in Lusaka today, Princess Kasune pledged Government’s commitment to addressing the common barriers that hinder access to justice for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Kasune stated that this can be achieved by strengthening legal frameworks, supporting law reform, and raising awareness among duty bearers.
“Collaboration with organizations like the Disability Rights Watch and their allies is crucial in dismantling the systemic challenges,” Ms. Kasune said.
She also highlighted that government recently approved new progressive disability policy and set ambitious targets to accelerate disability inclusion, empowerment, and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Zambia.
“Zambia cannot build a prosperous nation if it continues to marginalize the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of persons with disabilities,” Ms. Kasune stated.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by Itezhi Tezhi Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, Twaambo Mutinta.
Speaking at the same event, Disability Rights Watch Executive Director, Wamundila Waliuya, urged parliamentarians to support the constitutional amendments, saying they present an opportunity for the nation to enact more inclusive electoral laws.
Mr. Waliuya stated that the amendments are timely, given the current calls for all-inclusive governance and accountability.
“The proposed amendments such as proportional representation will promote an all-inclusive political landscape,” Mr. Waliuya said.
He urged parliamentarians to back the amendments to ensure adequate disability inclusion and rights at the highest level.
Mr. Waliuya also implored government to stick to the road-map presented by the Minister of Justice, without making any further amendments.
And Parliamentarian Caucus Chairperson Joseph Musanje said while he acknowledges important strides made such as ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and supporting the development of the Persons with Disabilities Bill implementation, gaps still remain.
Mr. Musanje noted that the gaps are not abstract as they manifest in inaccessible public infrastructure, in education systems that exclude children with disabilities, in underfunded health services, and in the marginalization of persons with disabilities from political participation.
The Parliamentary caucus on disability inclusion and rights meeting on disability policy, legislation and government commitment was organized by the disability rights watch and supported by the action aid Zambia.
Cecilia Chiluba