By Esnart Chingwalu
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has urged the public to take part in the fight against violence against people with disabilities in the country.
In a statement signed by its chairperson Scander Louise as part of the commemorating the international day for persons with disabilities on December 3, the organisation said there is a need for authorities to join hands in ending violation of rights of people with disabilities.
“COVID 19 has laid barriers and inequalities faced by over 1.5 million persons with disability not excluding persons with albinism,” reads part of the statement.
According to the statement, more than 1.5 million persons with disabilities and over 130, 000 persons with albinism have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
A recent study by MHRC established that planning designing and execution of COVID- 19 responses fails to involve people with disabilities, which show neglect of leadership skills and participation in persons with disabilities in the country’s agenda during the time of pandemics and disasters.
This year’s international day of disabilities is commemorated under the theme “leadership and participation of people with disability towards inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world”.
