Strategies to Counter Shrinking Civic Spaces: The Case of the Disability Movement

Introduction There is a growing culture of intolerance and impunity by some African leaders. This makes it increasingly difficult for civil society movements to play an effective role in keeping governments in check, particularly on their observance of human rights and the rule of law. Persons with disabilities are a historically marginalised group who experience some of the highest levels…

DRW HOLDS DISABILITY SECTOR LAND POLICY CONSULTATION

BACKGROUND The government of the republic of Zambia has once again commenced the process of finalising the development of a comprehensive National Land Policy. The land policy development process had stalled since 2006 when the first draft was produced. A notable shortcoming of the 2006 draft as highlighted in the analysis of experts as well as civil society is the…

Submission to Judicial Sector Reform Commission

Disability Rights Watch Zambia Nexus Building Malambo, Road Lusaka, Zambia   The Chairperson, Judicial and Legal Reform Commission, Zambia.   Re: Submission to the Judicial and Legal Reform Commission INTRODUCTION Disability Rights Watch The Disability Rights Watch (DRW) is a non-profit making organization registered under the Patents and Companies Registration Agency as a company by guarantee. It was formed and…

Ngwerere Inclusion Project Launched

 Friday 29th January, 2016 was a special day for the people of Ngwerere, North East of Lusaka. A project was launched to promote the rights and social inclusion of children with disabilities. Supported by Disability Africa with technical support from Disability Rights Watch, the project brings together Zambian non-state actors in the area of children with disabilities to establish play…

DISABILITY INCLUSION MANUAL

Disability Rights Watch has developed a simple manual to guide DPO advocacy work in influencing the State and other institutions that provide public services to mainstream issues of development in all policies, laws and programmes for the purpose of enhancing full and effective inclusion of persons with disabilities. This calls for inclusive programming with adequate allocation of budgets and human…

Legal Capacity in Zambia

This research paper was written by Olivier Beaubien our legal intern from McGill University in Canada following his work in Zambia. It explores critical issues of concern to ensure full compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. Legal Capacity for Persons with Mental and Intellectual Disabilities in Zambia

ZAMBIA MENTAL HEALTH BILL FOR FINAL DRAFTING

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has finally moved the long pending Mental Health Bill for final drafting. A drafting workshop of the Bill runs from 4th August to 17th August 2015 in Chongwe district east of Lusaka. This move is the most exciting among all stakeholders who have been concerned with the issue of the Bill being finalized….