Zambia has taken a major step toward strengthening disability inclusion with the launch and flagging off of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Information, Education and Communication Materials in Braille.
The initiative aims to ensure persons with visual impairments have equal access to life-saving protection information, in line with the national commitment to leave no one behind.
Gracing the event, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Director, Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, observed that persons with visual impairments are often the most affected during disasters such as floods, droughts and epidemics.
He stated that accessible information is critical during emergencies, stressing that every individual, regardless of ability, must have access to life-saving information and protection mechanisms.
Mr. Chipakupaku announced that DMMU will integrate the booklets into disaster management structures and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programmes.
He reaffirmed DMMU’s responsibility to mainstream and strengthen PSEA and disability inclusion across preparedness, response and recovery frameworks, emphasising the unit’s commitment to ensuring all disaster-related actions consider the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the same event, ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa reiterated Agency’s commitment to partnering with state and non-state actors to ensure persons with disabilities receive life-changing opportunities.
Mr. Musukwa thanked UNFPA and partners for supporting and promoting a more inclusive society.
And Human Rights Commission Vice-Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, described the initiative as a powerful embodiment of human rights values, inclusion, equality and dignity for all.
Dr. Kalunga stated that ensuring persons with visual impairments have access to protection information is not a gesture but a fulfilment of constitutional and legal obligations, including the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023.
The Commission Vice Chair applauded UNFPA, government and all collaborating partners for their dedication to advancing disability inclusion through practical actions, describing the launch as an example of how strong partnerships can drive transformative change in human rights, protection and social justice.
The launch marks a meaningful step toward ensuring that persons with visual impairments can access protection information on an equal basis with others, contributing to a safer and more inclusive Zambia.