Experts of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Commend Zambia on Disability Legislation, Raise Questions on Persons with Albinism and Land Bursaries for Persons with Disabilities
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today concluded its review of the initial report of Zambia, with Committee Experts commending the State for the work done so far, including the Persons with Disabilities Act, while asking questions about persons with albinism and land bursaries for persons with disabilities.
Samuel Kabue, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, said Zambia had done a lot of work so far. Some of the key achievements made by the State included the formulation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2012 which had managed to successfully domesticate the Convention. The disability policy of 2015 was another achievement.
A Committee Expert asked what measures the State had taken in cases where the body parts of persons with albinism had been cut off in suspected ritualistic practices? What legal or policy measures had the State party taken to protect persons with albinism from skin cancer? Since 2014, there had been 11 killings of persons with albinism reported. Another Expert asked what measures were being taken to combat stigma, harmful practices, bullying and hate crimes against persons with albinism?
One Committee Expert said it was understood that land was given to persons with disabilities for them to develop. Did these persons have the financial resources to develop this land? Was the land close to basic services? Another Expert said information had been received that the land provided to persons with disabilities was far away and inaccessible, with no access to roads, schools or health services. How was this been addressed? How were persons with disabilities able to live in this situation?
The delegation said there was no specific legislation which protected persons with albinism. However, the Penal Code clearly protected persons living with albinism. In all 10 provinces, there were offices for persons with disabilities. Working with the police, these offices ensured that all killings related to persons with albinism were reported, and that all people who were living with albinism were protected. Sunscreen was provided to persons with albinism free of charge in all regional offices. A representative was working with the Zambian Police Service to ensure that harmful practices which affected persons living with albinism were combatted and all perpetrators were prosecuted. Several safehouses were in place for victims of albinism related violence to ensure a recovery plan and their protection. The recovery plan included a bimonthly cash transfer, as well as community integration.
The delegation said the land was part of a move by the Government to promote independent living for persons with disabilities. In 2012, a number of persons with disabilities had been offered land, as the first beneficiaries. Roads were built where the first group were situated, and schools had also been constructed. Roads were currently being constructed where the second group of recipients of the resettlement package would be located, as well as water bores. The State was doing everything to make the land recipients as comfortable as possible.
Eunice M.T. Luambia, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, introducing the report, said Zambia had made notable strides towards implementing the Convention, including through the Persons with Disabilities Act. The full participation of persons with disabilities was critical to the development, implementation and monitoring of inclusive policies. The Government of Zambia had amended legislation, including through repealing derogative terms and discriminatory articles within the Bill of Rights. The State party had enacted the Children’s Code Act, which recognised provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, including children. Zambia was also undertaking the process of developing accessibility standards to ensure adherence to accessibility standards in the country.
In closing remarks, Ms. Luambia expressed gratitude to the Committee for the review. The process had allowed the State party to observe the gaps identified by the Committee. Zambia would provide any missing answers in writing.
Mr. Kabue thanked the delegation of Zambia for the important interaction. The Committee wished to act as a mirror for Zambia. The lack of resources and the coordination of ministries were key issues for the Committee. The Committee would make recommendations to Zambia.
The delegation of Zambia was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services; the Ministry of Justice; the Agency for Persons with Disabilities; and the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s thirtieth session and other documents related to the session can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon to consider the combined initial and second periodic report of Bahrain (CRPD/C/BHR/1-2).
Report
The Committee has before it the initial report of Zambia (CRPD/C/ZMB/1).
Presentation of Report
EUNICE M.T. LUAMBIA, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, apologised for the absence of the Permanent Secretary who was supposed to present the report but was unable to travel to Geneva because of pressing national issues. Zambia wished to reaffirm its commitment to the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities. Zambia had made notable strides towards implementing the Convention, including through the Persons with Disabilities Act. The full participation of persons with disabilities was critical to the development, implementation and monitoring of inclusive policies. Zambia recognised that inclusion enabled communities to combat discrimination, including harmful stereotypes, and to recognise diversity, promote effective participation, and overcome barriers. The robust inclusion drive by Zambia’s Government was pioneered by the community-based inclusive development strategy, which ensured that persons with disabilities lived independently and participated fully in society.
The Government of Zambia had amended legislation, including through repealing derogative terms and discriminatory articles within the Bill of Rights. Zambia continued to review the Anti-Gender Violence Act of 2011 to harmonise it with other pieces of legislation, including the Penal and Criminal Codes, and to facilitate the effective implementation of the law. The State party had enacted the Children’s Code Act, which recognised provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, including children. The best interests of the child were always taken into account.
Zambia was also undertaking the process of developing accessibility standards and ensuring adherence to these standards in the country. Persons with disabilities, women and youth were provided with training in financial inclusion, including digital finance. The Government also ensured that funds were decentralised to the community level to benefit youth and persons with disabilities. Ms. Luambia concluded by stating that the inclusion drive by the Government of Zambia had been heightened to ensure the inherent rights of persons with disabilities.
Questions by Committee Experts
SAMUEL KABUE, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, said Zambia had done a lot of work so far. Some of the key achievements made by the State included the formulation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2012 which had managed to successfully domesticate the Convention. The disability policy of 2015 was another achievement. The national development plan 2022-2026 was anchored on inclusiveness. It was hoped that inclusiveness touched persons with disabilities. What plans were in place to ensure that the Persons with Disabilities Act was fully implemented by enabling necessary regulations and other statutory documents that covered all areas, including inclusive education, health and accessibility?
How did the State address the concerns regarding derogatory terms, in reference to persons with disabilities, which were still on some of the statute books, including the Bill of Rights and the Penal Code? What steps were taken to address the Mental Health Act of 2019, which provided for denial of legal capacity of certain persons with disabilities, contrary to the Convention?
How did Zambia’s national development plan 2022-2026 provide for clear mechanisms for the effective engagement and participation of persons with disabilities? How was it ensured that Zambia’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities could carry out its mandate? What mechanisms were in place to ensure persons with disabilities were able to genuinely participate in all legislative and policy matters that concerned them? How were they made aware about organised programmes? Who contacted them and how?
What steps were being taken to ratify the Optional Protocol? What was the status of the process of Zambia’s long review of the Criminal Code and Penal Code, which used discriminatory terms to describe persons with disabilities? How was the State addressing the concerns of persons who were deaf and felt discriminated against under the Traffic Act, regarding obtaining driving licenses?
What specific programmes were in place for the empowerment of women and girls with disabilities? How many girls and women with disabilities were beneficiaries of the general programme of education? How were women and girls with disabilities, who were more vulnerable to abuse, gender-based violence and discrimination, being protected? What was being done to ensure women and children with disabilities were specifically targeted through awareness raising programmes on gender-based violence and HIV?
What plans were in place to review the national child policy to specifically address the needs of children with disabilities? Would the new disability policy specifically refer to children with disabilities, and in what way? What strategies were in place to support caregivers and early learning centres to stimulate children with disabilities?
What was being done to enforce the provision in the Disability Act to provide sign language? Currently, only the State television service provided sign language in its broadcasting. What steps had been taken to develop national accessibility standards to facilitate equal and unhindered access for persons with disabilities to the built environment, information and technology?
What measures had the State taken in cases where the body parts of persons with albinism had been cut off in suspected ritualistic practices? What legal or policy measures had the State party taken to protect persons with albinism from skin cancer? Since 2014, there had been 11 killings of persons with albinism reported.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Zambia was in the process of actualising the Disability Act, and had implemented a number of activities towards the enactment of statutory instruments on education, health, transport and accessibility. The consultations were at the final stage. Disability mainstreaming had successfully been ensured to actualise the Persons with Disabilities Act.
Zambia was undergoing consultations with various stakeholders to review the Bill of Rights and conduct amendments. The Bill of Rights was required to be amended via a referendum, and Zambia was ensuring this was dealt with as a nation. Consultations had been undertaken with stakeholders on the Mental Health Act to ensure its provisions aligned with the Disabilities Act, which reigned supreme as far as matters of disabilities were concerned in the country. Zambia had drafted disability streaming guidelines to ensure access to services by persons with disabilities.
Zambia’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities was fully funded by the Government, which provided a grant for its operations. It was present in all 10 provinces of Zambia. One of the mandates of the Agency was to ensure the registration of organizations of persons with disabilities. The Agency had a database of all persons with disabilities and was able to communicate with them via email, phone and in face-to-face interactions. Deaf people were provided with sign language interpretation to allow them to participate. The process of ratifying the Optional Protocol was still under consultation with stakeholders. Much of the work had been done and the process of consultation was being finalised.
Work had been carried out to ensure derogatory terminology was removed from the Penal Code and the Criminal Code. The final step was to submit the report to the institutions that would be amending the codes, to ensure they were aligned with international instruments. The case concerning the Trafficking Act was still active within a court of law, so not much could be said at this time. The court case involved deaf people who had wanted to renew their licenses but were not permitted to do so. Zambia promised to resolve the issue before June 2024.
Zambia had implemented mechanisms to support girls in their pursuit for education. Currently a project was being implemented which aimed to increase livelihood support for women and access to secondary education for disadvantaged girls. Additional financing had been secured to scale up support to more than 75,000 women in 51 districts, with a view to enabling 14,000 girls to access bursaries to allow them to complete secondary school education.
Zambia had strengthened the one stop centres in the provinces of the country. The centres comprised of teams including paralegals, social workers and security personnel, who helped to ensure the protection of women with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence. Seventy-four social workers had also been trained in community case management to enhance the protection of vulnerable women at these centres. Zambia was in the process of concluding the community welfare guidelines, which would identify vulnerable groups and disseminate information to them on issues such as HIV and gender-based violence.
The Ministry responsible for disability affairs had commenced the process of reviewing the old child policy. The new disability policy covered a wide range of areas, including the protection of children. Parents and caregivers had been targeted through outreach programmes, so they were better informed on how to support their children and when to seek help. Through the community-based management, the Government could visit homes and families to conduct assessments regarding each household, to refer them to the appropriate services provider. High risk cases, such as cases of abuse, were escalated immediately.
Parliament television and the seven-day Adventist channels had sign language broadcasting. A new law was being drafted whereby media houses that did not include sign language interpretation would not have their licenses reviewed. A consultant had been engaged to develop the accessibility standard guidelines. This was expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024.
There was no specific legislation which protected persons with albinism. However, the Penal Code clearly protected persons living with albinism. In all 10 provinces, there were offices for persons with disabilities. Working with the police, these offices ensured that all killings related to persons with albinism were reported, and that all people who were living with albinism were protected. Sunscreen was provided to persons with albinism free of charge in all regional offices. A person with albinism had also been appointed to strengthen policies within Zambia’s Police Service.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked when the accessibility standards would come into effect?
Another Expert asked what measures were being taken to combat stigma, harmful practices, bullying and hate crimes against persons with albinism?
A Committee Expert asked when the State planned to adhere to the African plan of action for persons with albinism 2021–2031 to respond to the attacks which impacted people with albinism? Did the families of those killed receive medical care, psychiatric support or reparations?
One Expert asked how lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex persons with disabilities accessed certain benefits, legal aid and health care?
A Committee Expert said deaf and blind persons and other minorities were left out in consultation and data issues. What was being done to address this? How were persons with disabilities involved in international cooperation? How were the human rights mechanisms involved in issues of disability?
SAMUEL KABUE, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, said the National Human Rights Commission was not facilitated to monitor the Convention. Why was this the case?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said that with support from the International Labour Organization, a consultant had been engaged to come up with a framework for the accessibility standards. By the third quarter of the year, the accessibility standards would be ready.
A representative was working with the Zambian Police Service to ensure that harmful practices which affected persons living with albinism were combatted and all perpetrators were prosecuted. The Government was working to remove myths and stereotypes around persons with albinism. Several safehouses were in place for victims of albinism related violence to ensure a recovery plan and their protection. The recovery plan included a bimonthly cash transfer, as well as community integration.
When it came to issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, there were laws which guided the handling of these cases. For now, such practices were outlawed within the country.
Persons with disabilities had been involved in implementing the United Nations joint programme on social protection. The State had a partner that was actively working on deaf-blind persons and the Government was working on ways to ensure these persons were included.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked what measures the State had taken to modify rules, regulations and customs that jeopardised the enjoyment of the right to life of persons with disabilities? What provisions had been taken to preserve and protect the lives of people living with albinism? To what extent were these measures implemented?
What protocols were set up to guarantee the protection of persons with disabilities during disaster situations such as earthquakes? How were persons with hearing impairments protected?
Were legal provisions taken to protect those with autism or psychosocial disabilities? Could persons with disabilities marry? What measures were in place to protect persons with disabilities when they were held as detainees? What information was provided to persons with disabilities in court? Did persons with disabilities have access to legal aid free of charge? Was there training in the judiciary and the police specifically on persons with disabilities?
Had the State party undertaken a complete review of the Criminal Code? What measures had been taken to overturn all legislative provisions which were discriminatory, such as article 167 of the Criminal Code which indicated that those suffering from a psychosocial disability were considered unable to undergo a trial, and were held in detention despite their non-culpability?
Were there instances of forced hospitalisation and forced treatments? Was there recourse to chemical and physical coercion or sexual coercion in psychiatric wards? What progress had been made in the adoption of the draft law on torture? How did this prevent persons with disabilities from being subjected to torture or cruel or inhumane or degrading treatment?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said programmes were in place to promote the independent living of persons with disabilities. Any person with intent to disfigure or wound another person would be liable and prosecuted. This provision was used by the State party to enhance protection for persons living with albinism.
Zambia had developed an emergency response plan, which included provisions for welfare assistance. This ensured that persons with disabilities were provided with cash during these situations. The State party had also commenced the review of the Disaster Management Act from 2010 to enhance preparedness and recovery. This year, Zambia was faced with drought and a state of emergency had been declared, which was why many members of the delegation had not been able to come to Geneva. During times of emergency, it was ensured that televised media had sign language interpretation so that deaf people could access information.
The State party’s current legal provisions did not expressly identify protection of those with an intellectual or psychological disability. However, these persons were protected under the Disabilities Act. Persons with disabilities were indeed able to marry. Paralegals were present in detention centres who were able to guide persons with disabilities about their rights. These paralegals advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure they were able to raise the alarm if their rights had been violated.
It was ensured that courts were easily accessible for persons with disabilities; for example, someone in a wheelchair would be able to be called to the witness box. The State was beginning to develop ramps for the court premises to ensure persons with disabilities had full access to justice. The legal aid board provided legal advice to all people, including those with disabilities who were not able to hire the services of a lawyer. Legal aid services not only provided free legal services to persons with disabilities, but also advocated for their rights and ensured they were protected. Under the 2024 budget, Zambia’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities was planning to employ a lawyer, who would ensure that all persons with disabilities could enjoy their rights.
Currently there were two judges who were persons with disabilities. There was a curriculum within the police service which aimed to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities were respected. Article 167 of the Criminal Code had undergone review, and it was recognised that this contained discriminatory terminology that was not in conformity with human rights. Through the Zambian law development commission, a review had been undertaken on various legislation, including the Criminal Procedure Code. The next stage of the process was to ensure that discriminatory terminology was removed.
The Human Rights Commission carried out an independent assessment to ensure that detention centres and correctional services were monitored. A report was then produced which determined if any torture or cruel or degrading treatment had occurred at any facility, and how to overcome those challenges. The draft bill had been completed and was tabled before parliament. It would seek to criminalise certain actions of torture, and ensure that perpetrators were prosecuted.
The delegation said the Human Rights Commission carried out an independent assessment and monitored activities in correctional facilities; it then developed a report which contained recommendations. Immediate measures had been taken to curb forced hospitalisation, including sensitising medical personnel on the rights of persons with disabilities. Legislation existed around practices such as sterilisation, which stipulated that persons with disabilities must provide their consent for the procedure.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked how many cases concerning persons with disabilities had been brought before the courts? What measures would be taken to ensure persons with disabilities received information on how to lodge complaints of mistreatment? What reparations were available to them? What was the status of the Council of Mental Health? How was it ensured that all children with disabilities were registered at birth, particularly in remote areas? How was it ensured that all children with disabilities acquired identity documents?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party had established fast-track codes which were situated at police stations, and were intended to ensure the processes undertaken in courts were expedited, to prosecute perpetrators who abused persons with disabilities. Once cases were reported, the State party formulated simplified procedures to ensure a complaint could easily be made.
The National Legal Aid Clinic was able to seek redress through the courts of law if other methods did not work. Information was disseminated through literature and the magistrate manual book. The manual helped people who were presiding over matters relating to the rights of persons with disabilities and instructed them on how to handle such matters.
Zambia had enhanced the birth registration department which enabled the registration of the identity and nationality of persons with disabilities from health centres. The State was in the process of rolling out biometrics to enable the registration process to be more mobile.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked about the steps taken to remove legal capacity, including reviewing and repealing laws based on substituted decision making? It was understood that land was given to persons with disabilities for them to develop. Did these persons have the financial resources to develop this land? Was the land close to basic services?
Another Expert said information had been received that Zambia continued to use shock therapy for those with psychosocial disabilities, and that families gave permission for forced sterilisation without consent. What was being done to combat these practices? Was the State party implementing any programme for deinstitutionalisation?
An Expert asked how many temporary shelters the State party had for victims of domestic violence? How many were accessible to persons with disabilities?
A Committee Expert said reports had been received that intersex children were subjected to medical and surgical interventions without consent. Had steps been taken to protect the rights of intersex persons?
Another Expert asked what steps the State party took to ensure that persons with disabilities were ensured legal capacity on an equal footing with all others, particularly persons with a psychosocial disability? How was their right to participate in the public and private sector ensured?
SAMUEL KABUE, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, said the use of electro therapy was still in place despite the Mental Health Act. What was the Government doing in this regard? Persons with psychosocial disabilities were still being institutionalised. What was the Government doing to avoid this situation? Information had been received that the land provided to persons with disabilities was far away and inaccessible, with no access to roads, schools or health services. How was this being addressed? How were persons with disabilities able to live in this situation?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said section four of the Mental Health Act was discriminatory, and the State was amenable to amending this section to comply with international standards. The land was part of a move by the Government to promote independent living for persons with disabilities. Once land was identified and allocated, roads were constructed nearby as well as water points. Vocational training was provided to persons with disabilities on how to effectively utilise the land.
Practices of forced sterilisation and shock therapy were of great concern to the State party. The State ensured that once perpetrators were identified, they were prosecuted in order to highlight that these actions were not tolerated. Zambia had a robust social protection system, including the flagship social cash transfer, which provided funds to households, including those where a member had a disability.
Domestic violence shelters were operational in all provinces, meaning 10 centres were operational. They were well managed with 20 staff each.
In 2012, a number of persons with disabilities had been offered land, as the first beneficiaries. Roads were built where the first group were situated, and schools had also been constructed. Roads were currently being constructed where the second group of recipients of the resettlement package would be located, as well as water bores. The State was doing everything to make the land recipients as comfortable as possible.
From 2017 to 2023, more than 8,000 assistive devices had been purchased by the State for persons with disabilities. Hospitals had donated devices such as hearing aids for free. The provincial coordinators brought the needs of each province to the Disability Agency, and the equipment was supplied based on need. Last year a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide assistive devices. The Memorandum would last for four years.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked what was being done to recognise sign language as a national language in Zambia? What was being done to ensure information was accessible to persons with disabilities, including through Braille, large print and easy read? How were persons with disabilities ensured the right to privacy? How were they made aware of the right to the protection of their personal data?
What was the state of implementation of the Marriage Act? This Act had provisions which prevented certain persons with disabilities from marrying. How was it ensured that children were not separated from their parents due to disability? How were persons with psychosocial disabilities protected from being sterilised by their families?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Zambia had made progress on this issue, including through standardising sign language as a national language, and through developing a national sign language dictionary. This was expected to be completed by September 2024. The curriculum for sign language education in schools had also been reviewed. Parliament television had employed sign language interpreters. Nurses and midwives were being trained in sign language through the Ministry of Health.
All State information was translated into Braille. A memo had been issued to instruct all government institutions to translate documents into accessible formats. The Zambian Constitution guaranteed respect to the right to privacy. The State did not interfere with persons with disabilities’ right to privacy.
Child safeguard measures were in place to ensure that children belonged to a family set up. Schemes were in place to ensure that the households where these children were placed were protected. Awareness programmes had been launched where parents and caregivers of persons with disabilities were educated on their rights; these programmes were having a positive impact.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked if all children with disabilities were going to general schools, not special schools? What steps had been taken to train all teachers in general schools in inclusive education? How were teachers with disabilities included as staff in the various schools? How did the State monitor accessibility in all schools and in higher institutions? What was being done to raise awareness around children with albinism in general schools?
What measures did the State take to enable persons with disabilities to access health services, with an emphasis on sexual health and fertility, particularly in remote areas? What steps were taken to provide education on mental health services and what resources were allocated for this?
What was being done to make jobs and employment accessible for persons with disabilities? What legislative measures had been taken to ensure persons with psychosocial and physical disabilities could participate in elections and hold public positions in the parliament?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party was currently transforming general schools into inclusive schools, while also maintaining special schools. Learners with severe disabilities were taken to special schools. The State had engaged in the training curriculum of teachers and included disability quotas. It was ensured that all teachers entering general schools had disability knowledge and could handle all learners in the general school. Schools worked with the albinism foundation of Zambia to raise awareness about learners with albinism in mainstream schools. Boarding schools created a positive experience for children with disabilities, particularly deaf students, who were able to use sign language with their peers.
Every person with a disability was guaranteed free and effective health care. Consultations had taken place regarding the people earmarked to sit on the Mental Health Council. It was estimated the Council would be established within the next 30 to 60 days. The training of nursing staff in sign language had commenced, so the frontline staff could communicate with persons with disabilities who were deaf.
The Ministry of Health in Zambia was well funded. A national health insurance scheme was in place, which provided health insurance to vulnerable people. Health posts had been constructed in many communities to cater for various ailments. For the past two years, there had been a major recruitment of health workers, which resulted in enough staff to service people in rural areas who were previously underserved.
A 10 per cent quota had been implemented to ensure persons with disabilities were reserved a certain number of employment opportunities. The private sector had been engaged to ensure their cooperation. In 2022, the State party had employed 196 teachers with disabilities. In 2023, 463 teachers with disabilities were employed in Zambia. This indicated the Government’s serious commitment to create employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Zambia’s Constitution did not infringe on the rights of any citizen. Persons with disabilities were able to participate in elections and voting booths were accessible to them. Many persons with disabilities were employed in decision-making positions in the State. In 2021, persons with disabilities had run for political office, and some had been elected.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked what steps had been taken to establish regular collection of data to gather information on lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons?
Another Expert said that people with albinism often preferred to go to segregated schools due to bullying. What was being done to tackle this problem? A Committee Expert said there had been statistics that showed many learners with albinism were in schools for the blind. It was hoped efforts would be made to address this.
An Expert asked how many persons with disabilities were employed within the public sector? What measures were in place to encourage the private sector to employ persons with disabilities? When would it be ensured that no person with a disability was prevented from participating in politics?
One Committee Expert said that in some cases, children had become disabled due to accidents in a hazardous workplace. What efforts was the Government making to prevent people with disabilities, including children, from being subject to slavery?
A Committee Expert asked what measures were adopted to ensure persons with disabilities could take advantage of social programmes for them? How were these programmes promoted?
Another Expert commended Zambia’s efforts towards inclusive education. What was the percentage of persons with disabilities who made it to the university level?
SAMUEL KABUE, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, asked about the mechanism for reporting violations of rights; how was it monitored? What was the Government doing to fight stigma against children with albinism to enable them to go to school?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there were no schools in Zambia which were designed to cater solely for persons with albinism. The State party had consistently been raising awareness about persons with albinism and encouraging them to integrate into society. Social investment protection was increasing, showing the Government’s commitment in this area. There were several data management systems within the country. The State’s laws were silent on issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex persons.
The State aimed to ensure that children with albinism accessed quality education at the same level as any other child. The State party had introduced a free education policy for all children, including those with albinism.
The Government was the largest employer of persons with disabilities. There were also members of parliament who were persons with disabilities. The State party had introduced tax incentives, which benefited organizations in the private sector that employed persons with disabilities. The Government had a policy whereby certain jobs were given to persons with disabilities. In certain ministries, all telephone operators were persons with disabilities.
A quota system was reserved for persons with disabilities who wished to pursue university education at one of Zambia’s eight public universities.
The State was coming from an environment where families were reluctant to have children with disabilities registered or acquire national identification. However, the current awareness raising activities on the importance of registration was yielding positive results. A file would be opened for any person with a disability who had lodged a complaint of abuse. There was proper case management when it came to violations and abuses of persons with disabilities. Many matters had been taken to court and the perpetrators had been brought to justice.
Concluding Remarks
EUNICE M.T. LUAMBIA, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, expressed gratitude to the Committee for the review. The process had allowed the State party to observe the gaps identified by the Committee. Zambia would provide any missing answers in writing.
SAMUEL KABUE, Committee Member and Coordinator of the Taskforce for Zambia, thanked the delegation of Zambia for the important interaction. The Committee wished to act as a mirror for Zambia. The lack of resources and the coordination of Ministries were key issues for the Committee. The Committee would make recommendations to Zambia.
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