Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) has asked local council officials to be at the forefront of protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
MACODA Director General George Chiusiwa made the call in Ntchisi during an orientation meeting on the new Persons with Disabilities Act (Number 4 of 2024) which was recently enacted.
Chiusiwa said it is sad to see that the rights of most persons with disabilities in the country are not respected and protected, a situation he described as a setback in ensuring that all people enjoy their rights.
“We would like to see them taking part in different developmental initiatives in their communities,” said Chiusiwa.
He added that the council is working with the Malawi Electoral Commission for the electoral commission to put in place disability-friendly measures that will help persons with disabilities during the 2025 tripartite elections.
Chairperson for Ntchisi District Disability Forum, Fredrick M’mbaluko is optimistic that there will be a decrease in rights violations among persons with disabilities in the district following the meeting.
The event was sponsored by World Vision International under the Able to Thrive Project.
By Maria Tembo, MANA
