Podcam for access to justice for children with disabilities
Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (Podcam) says persons and children with disabilities face many abuses in their communities but they lack access to justice services for redress.
Podcam acting director Enock Mithi said yesterday in Karonga the association has since introduced a project called ‘Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities’ to advocate for rights of persons with disabilities in the district.
He said: “Most children with physical and intellectual disabilities are not enrolled in special needs schools, while others are locked indoors, which is a violation of their right to education.
“Through the project, we will raise awareness in communities on the rights of children with disabilities to ensure they know where to go when victimised.”
Mithi said the project will take a systematic approach to case handling to ensure victims of any abuse get help and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
On his part, Senior Chief Kalonga hailed the association for introducing the project in Karonga, saying chiefs were facing challenges with cases involving persons with disabilities in their communities.
He said he was optimistic that the project will achieve results, especially since Podcam will be working with the police, Judiciary and chiefs.
Podcam is implementing the project with support from Disability Rights Fund to the tune of $25 000 (about K16.9 million). Apart from Karonga, the project is also being implemented in Balaka.
