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Compiled By George Mwika Kayange
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| A cross-section of the
participants during the forum listening to a presentation by one of the facilitators |
“As part of the activities to commemorate the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities set aside by
the United Nations, FEDOMA organised a discussion forum on 4
December 2010, with the theme "Importance of Disability
Legislation in Malawi,” which was held at College of Medicine
Lecture Theatre in Blantyre.
The forum drew various sectors of society to discuss how,
together, they could ensure that Malawi has a disability law
that protects and promotes the rights of persons with
disabilities.
In his official opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Persons
with Disabilities and the Elderly, Honourable Mr. Felton
Mulli, observed that a Bill on Disability would be critical
in enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities in the
country.
He observed: "the Constitution of Malawi stipulates that an
enabling legislation be enacted and promulgated to further
substantiate the equality clause therein."
He said the Bill addresses issues around environmental
accessibility into different sectors as well as reasonable
accommodation of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
It also prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of
disability.
However, persons with disabilities have complained that
delays in bringing the Disability Bill for discussion to
Parliament are frustrating them from enjoying their rights to
the full.
While concurring with the Deputy Minister on the significance
of the Bill if enacted, Chairperson of FEDOMA, Mr. Montfort
Chasmal, expressed concern at the protracted delay in
enacting the Bill which was drafted several years ago but had
not yet been brought to Parliament as of December 2010.
"The Disability Bill is important because it will enable
persons with disability to ascertain and enforce their
rights," said Mr. Chasmal.
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