In Mozambique: World Vision celebrates approval of “much awaited” Disability Act

Mozambique’s Parliament has unanimously passed the Disability Act for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Person with Disabilities World Vision has vigorously campaigned alongside several civil society organizations.

“Congratulations. The bill has been approved in general terms”, Agripino Mavota from the Assembly of the Republic told World Vision. “Next, follows its appreciation for the definitive approval which should take place withing the next two weeks”, he explained.

World Vision’s role and contribution in the past year has been translated into both logistical and technical support, including the submission of a brief containing recommendations aimed at ensuring the Act was inclusive and addressing concerns raised by people with disabilities.

Last December, World Vision facilitated a crunch roundtable in collaboration with the Forum of Mozambican Associations of People with Disabilities during which calls were made for the urgent approval of the Act.  

Addressing Parliament, Mozambique’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Affairs, Nyeleti Mondlane, stated that “the approved Act will reaffirm Mozambique’s commitment to addressing the Human Rights of persons with disabilities in the country, contributing to building a society that is worth and just for all”.

On the other hand, Abdul Remane, a journalist and social activist for people with disabilities, welcomed the approval and warned about the implementation.

“It’s a positive move and worth celebrating although, we are still waiting for the definitive approval and the promulgation by the president,” said Abdul, who is already eyeing the next steps. "I am anxious for the implementation phase because this is where things get complicated in our context," he added.

The need for a Disability Act was also evident in a supplementary report presented by a Civil Society delegation, of which World Vision was a part, on the occasion of an African Union event that assessed the implementation of the African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child. During the delegation's interaction with an African Union panel, Wendy, a 12-year-old child with a disability, expressed her concerns on behalf of other Mozambican children, particularly regarding the issue of accessibility.

In addition, WV-Moz has been urging decision-makers and various sectors of society to adopt a more deliberate and targeted approach towards people with disabilities, including children affected by crises such as natural disasters and the ongoing armed conflict in the northern region.