Government has launched the Collective Action for Disability Rights (CADIR) project, with a commitment to advancing the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities across all socio-economic sectors.
The five-year initiative, supported by the Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD) and other Norwegian partners, is designed to promote inclusive development and ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and dignity in all aspects of life.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, emphasized that the full inclusion of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of human rights but also essential for good governance and sustainable national development.
Ms. Mwamba announced that the government is working toward ratifying the African Disability Protocol by 2027 and will soon adopt a National Action Plan for the protection of persons with albinism, in line with the African Union’s action plan.
She also commended the CADIR project’s focus on climate change and disability inclusion, especially in light of recent droughts which highlight the urgency of inclusive climate adaptation strategies.
“This project directly responds to these challenges by promoting community-based inclusive development, aligning with our recently launched National Disability Policy,” Ms. Mwamba said.
NAD Country Director, Ms. Caroline Cheelo, appreciated government’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that approximately 1.3 billion people or 16 percent of the global population live with significant disabilities, often facing persistent barriers in their communities.
“This programme reflects a collective vision and community-driven approach to dismantling systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and public participation,” Ms. Cheelo stated.
In a speech read on his behalf by Director of Planning and Programmes, Ms. Inger Mutenekwa, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Director General, Mr. Frank Musukwa, expressed appreciation for the project’s thematic emphasis on inclusive climate action.