Tuesday 7 December 2010

RB CALLS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL

By Globe reporter
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has called for equal rights for all.
Speaking during commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in South Africa, President Banda urged all countries to help realize the ambitions of disabled people.
“It is vital that our countries lead by example by championing equal rights for all, and helping realize the ambitions of people with disabilities.  I am proud to say that in Zambia we have taken great strides in this respect, providing more opportunities for people to lead happy and fulfilled lives, regardless of personal challenges,” President Banda said. “On this day we must all take a moment to remember those who struggle day-to-day and who need the help and support of their friends, family and government to overcome the challenges that they face.”

President Banda and his South African counterpart President Jacob Zuma took time to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by visiting a school for disabled children outside Johannesburg.
President Banda was on his three-day state visit to South Africa, meeting with President Zuma to discuss opportunities for both countries to work together in order to stimulate trade and investment.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Earlier this year President Banda highlighted his government’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of disabled people in Zambia.  In his State of the Nation address he urged all Zambians to support the wellbeing of physically challenged people, decreeing that all new public buildings be made accessible for the disabled and councils instructed to reject building plans which did not conform to accessibility standards.
President Banda has since ratified the UN convention on the rights of disabled people.

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