‘Govt committed to respecting rights of disabled’

Malawi Vice-President Khumbo Kachali says government is committed to respecting the rights of the disabled in the country.

Kachali was speaking at Ekwendeni Primary School Ground in Mzimba on Saturday during the Day of the African Child national celebrations.

The day was set aside in memory of people who were killed and injured in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 when thousands of black school children took to the streets, demanding to be taught in their own language.

Said Kachali: “For example, the Disability Bill, which has been gathering dust for years, has been passed. This is a serious commitment shown by this government.” 

United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) representative Carrie Auer said on the day, not only do people remember children and acknowledge their valuable contribution to society, but affirm the well known belief that a nation’s hopes and dreams are embodied in dreams and aspirations of its children.

Plan Malawi acting country director Mary Ching’ang’a said most disabled children are disadvantaged as they tend lose out on social activities.

The theme of the event was ‘The rights of Children with Disabilities; The Duty to Protect, Respect, Promote and Fulfil.’