Development Aid from People to People (Dapp) has urged duty-bearers in Dowa District to take firm steps to promote and safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.

Dapp Malawi grants, monitoring and evaluation officer Lansen Chikopa said this on Monday during a day-long training on the African Disability Protocol (ADP).

Chikopa: Include disability issues in budgets. I Prince Henderson

He said the training was designed to equip the particpants with knowledge and skills required to domesticate and implement the protocol at district level.

“We want to see disability issues deliberately mainstreamed in planning and budgeting processes at council level,” said Chikopa.

Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare principal disability affairs officer Charles Blaimu said the ADP complements the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is in line with Malawi’s Constitution in advancing disability rights.

“The ADP strengthens our legal framework by addressing African-specific realities such as harmful cultural practices, poverty and limited access to justice,” he said.

Dowa District Council assistant social welfare officer Felistus Ngalande outlined the responsibilities of local authorities and government institutions in advancing disability rights and inclusive governance, adding government entities are legally required to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

On his part, Dowa Police Station Sergeant Haizeck Sankhulani said the training reinforced their responsibility to protect vulnerable groups.

Dapp Malawi organised the training in partnership with Women and Girls Disability Rights under the European Union Delegation in Zambia-funded United for African Disability Protocol project.