Are disability laws in Zimbabwe compatible with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)?

Abstract

This article analyzes and reviews the legal framework for the protection, promotion and fulfilment of rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe. The analysis and review shed light on the degree of compliance of disability legislation in Zimbabwe with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereinafter the CRPD). The author has used the CRPD as a measuring stick because the whole world is approaching disability issues based on the CRPD. The laws under scrutiny include the Constitution of Zimbabwe2, the Disabled Persons Act3 (DPA) of 1992, the Mental Health Act4, the War Victims Compensation Act5, the Criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act6, the Social Welfare Assistance Act7 and the State Service (Disability Benefits) Act8. The paper argues that save for the Constitution; other laws addressing disability in Zimbabwe are in need of reform. Such an observation is made in light of the shortcomings of the laws when measured against the provisions of the CRPD. The article concludes by underscoring the need of overhauling or aligning Zimbabwe’s disability legislation with the CRPD.