Day of the African Child

The Day of the African Child is a time to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and rights of children across Africa, including those with disabilities. In Zimbabwe, children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing essential services and realizing their full potential, despite legal protections afforded to them. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recognizes that children with disabilities have the same human rights as other children and calls for the removal of barriers that prevent them from enjoying these rights. Similarly, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which Zimbabwe has ratified, recognizes the right of every child to education, healthcare, and social services, without discrimination.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe also guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities. Section 56 of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law, while Section 83 provides for the rights of persons with disabilities to access education, healthcare, and other services. Furthermore, the National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe outlines the government’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities, including children, have equal access to opportunities and services. In spite of these legal protections, many children with disabilities in Zimbabwe still do not receive the support they need to thrive. They may face discrimination, exclusion, and stigma, which can limit their opportunities and hinder their development.

One of the key challenges facing children with disabilities in Zimbabwe is limited access to education. This is a result of limited specialist teachers, inaccessible school facilities and learning material and attitudes from both parents and service providers. The National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe recognizes the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities, but many schools lack the resources and training needed to accommodate their needs. This can make it difficult for children with disabilities to learn and engage with their peers, which can also affect educational outcomes as well as limit their future prospects and opportunities.

In addition to education, children with disabilities in Zimbabwe also face challenges in accessing healthcare, rehabilitation services, menstrual hygiene and related services. Many families cannot afford the high costs of medical care and specialist services, which can leave them without the care they need. Most health services are centralised making access very difficult as in most cases children with disabilities need to be accompanied by caregivers and in some instances pay fares for their assistive devices.

Children with disabilities are also vulnerable to different types of abuse. At family level many experiences neglect, where own family may not provide for, pay fees, facilitate birth registration due to misconceptions about disability. Physical and sexual abuse is also prevalent for adolescent children with disabilities. Some studies estimate that sexual abuse for children with disabilities is 3 to 4 times higher compared to children without disabilities. Sadly, access to responsive services like SRHR are compromised by the need to have aides to access services, attitudes of service providers, communication gaps and limited information on the part of children with disabilities themselves.

Despite these challenges, children with disabilities in Zimbabwe have the right to equal opportunities, access to services, and inclusion in their communities. They have the right to education, healthcare, and other essential supports, as well as the right to live without discrimination or stigma. On this Day of the African Child, let us remember the experiences and challenges faced by children with disabilities in Zimbabwe and work together to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. By promoting inclusion, raising awareness, and advocating for their rights, we can help create a brighter future for all children in Zimbabwe.