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| Sylvester Katontonka, Mental Health Users Network of Zambia - Coordinator |
He obviously leaves sorrow, grief, cry and
a feeling of loss in everyone. He leaves a very dark cloud above all of us
which will take time to dissolve. He leaves empty space. Peace is with us as
linger around the empty space.
Mr. Michael Sata has created a gap. A gap
that will cause suspicion, fear, doubt, uncertainty and of course name calling.
Let us treat this gap as a peace builder. In order to fit in this peace we
ourselves as individuals must immediately mutate into peace makers. Peace is
with us!
Where are persons with disabilities in this
gap? Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations must with
immediate effect begin to preach peace. We have entered into a period of turbulence,
volatility and political contest. Why should persons with disabilities begin to
preach peace? Peace brings unity. Unity breeds development. Development moulds
improved livelihood. Persons with disabilities want improved livelihood.
Therefore, in preaching peace, organisations of persons with disabilities
should come out and clearly be seen to be calling for leaders who will improve
the livelihood of persons with disabilities.
Organisations of persons with disabilities
should call for the quick launch of the National Policy on Disability and the
National Social Protection Policy. The approval of these policies was expedited
during President Sata, s reign. The political leaders who will be campaigning
should be reminded that this is key for persons with disabilities. This will
enhance the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in community and
national level development.
The political leaders should be reminded
that persons with disabilities want the implementation of the recommendations
that came out of a report on the Human Rights of Persons with Mental Health
Issues mid-2014. The report made clear recommendations on improving the human
rights of persons with mental health issues including women and children. The
report is with government and was launched by the Mental Disability Advocacy
Centre of Hungary in conjunction with Mental Health Users Network of Zambia.
The political leaders should be reminded to
prioritise the implementation of the recommendations which were submitted to
them by the Human Rights Watch on issues around Persons with Disabilities and
HIV/Aids in Zambia. Health matter should be put as priority for persons with
disabilities. The report is with government.
Persons with disabilities need access to
land for development. This is an issue which the political leaders should
promise persons with disabilities. Land is very difficult to acquire for
persons with disabilities because of the exorbitant cost it fetches.
Organisations of persons with disabilities should demand that land should will
be put as priority as the leaders campaign.
Early Childhood Education is still a
nightmare for children with disabilities. Developing an inclusive early
childhood education system which will deliver quality education effectively to
children with disabilities is key. Persons with disabilities should ask
questions to the political leaders on whether they will consider children with
disabilities. Children with disabilities should be seen to easily enroll in any
school and participate fully and effectively on an equal basis with other
children. Which political leader promises this? Check!Creation of employment for youths and adults with disabilities should not be political rhetoric and policy mirage. Organisations of persons with disabilities should check out for real leaders offering systematic delivery of equal opportunities for youths and adults with disabilities.
Women with disabilities continue to suffer abuse, violence and exploitation. Which political leader promises to improve this matter? Check!
Organisations of persons with disabilities should check the political leaders against their understanding of the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This should now form part of their manifestoes or campaign messages. In order to have them commit themselves, persons with disabilities, through their representative organisations should sign social contracts with the key political parties. They should campaign on the basis of these social contracts. After elections, the leaders who will rise to the ‘throne’ should be checked against the social contract. What do you think about this?
This is the time to rise, persons with disabilities!
Wamundila Waliuya
Let’s do this! 
