Spotlight on the ADP: “Member states must develop clear and actionable commitments that will advance disability rights”

The African Disability Protocol represents one of the most significant commitments made by African states towards the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the rights of persons with disabilities.

It is a unique African instrument that responds to the realities, opportunities and challenges faced by persons with disabilities on the African continent. The Protocol complements global commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while providing additional guidance on issues that are particularly relevant to Africa. These issues include protection from harmful cultural practices, community inclusion, access to development opportunities, and the rights of persons with albinism, and women and children with disabilities.

For Malawi, the African Disability Protocol (ADP) is a practical framework that strengthens our national efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others and participate meaningfully in all aspects of national development. Our Malawi 2063 national vision explicitly integrates persons with disabilities into its wealth creation and self-reliance agenda, ensuring they are active participants in the economy.

The government of Malawi remains fully committed to the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities. In 2024, Malawi enacted the Persons with Disabilities Act, which provides a strengthened legal framework for promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities. The act aligns closely with both the ADP and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and provides a solid foundation for advancing disability inclusion across sectors.

In 2025, the government launched a new National Disability Policy, which provides strategic direction for disability inclusion and mainstreaming. The policy seeks to promote equal opportunities and addresses key priorities including inclusive education, economic empowerment, access to assistive technology, independent living, social protection, access to justice, and participation in public life.

Malawi’s commitment extends beyond legislation and policy. We have implemented targeted initiatives focusing on reasonable accommodation in workplaces and public services, vocational education and skills training. We promote independent living for persons with disabilities, and we are expanding access to assistive technologies that enhance autonomy and participation.

The government of Malawi has also established the Disability Trust Fund. This is a significant milestone in our efforts to address financing gaps and ensure sustained support towards disability-inclusive programmes and services. Overall, we remain committed to deliver on the aspirations of the ADP to support meaningful implementation of disability-related interventions across the country.

It is important that as member states we continue to critically examine the challenges that hinder the full realisation of disability rights. We recognise that laws and policies alone are not enough. Effective implementation requires strong institutions, adequate resources, evidence-based advocacy, meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, and sustained collaboration between governments, civil society organisations, development partners and regional bodies.

Sustained engagement of persons with disabilities demonstrates the importance of investing in the principle of “Nothing about us without us”. Persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are leaders, advocates and partners in shaping inclusive societies.

One area where the ADP has particular relevance is the protection of persons with albinism from violence, harmful practices and discrimination. In this regard, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe share common challenges, with attacks, discrimination and harmful beliefs targeting and affecting persons with albinism.

Our member states have witnessed tragic cases of violence, grave robberies and abductions fueled by myths and superstition. These acts are not only criminal but a profound violation of human dignity. The ADP provides a unified framework to address these cross-border challenges, strengthen justice systems, and promote community awareness.

Malawi has made notable progress in addressing these challenges through strengthened legal protection, public awareness interventions and coordinated action involving government institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities and development partners. On 19 June 2026, Malawi launched the Revised National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism. This renewed commitment seeks to strengthen protection, improve access to essential services, promote social inclusion, and ensure that persons with albinism can live in safety, dignity and equality.

Challenges affecting persons with albinism and other persons with disabilities often transcend national boundaries. Addressing this calls for stronger regional cooperation, information sharing and coordinated action among our countries. The ADP provides an important framework for such collaboration.

Mainstreaming disability across all sectors of society is crucial as countries work towards progressive realisation of disability rights protection. It is therefore critical to nurture strategic partnerships that will facilitate realisation of this shared goal. From parliament where laws are reviewed and passed, to policy stakeholders who refine and provide frameworks to civil society and the communities where persons with disabilities live and contribute to.

Member states must develop clear and actionable commitments that will advance disability rights.

The success of the ADP will not be measured by the number of countries that ratify it, but by the extent to which its principles are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities.

The government of Malawi remains committed to working with organisations of persons with disabilities, development partners and fellow African States to advance the full realisation of the ADP.

We must strengthen disability-inclusive laws and policies, mainstream disability across all sectors of government, promote meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, and ensure that development efforts leave no one behind.

This speech was delivered by Hon. Mary Thom Navicha MP at the regional workshop on Realisation of the African Disability Protocol, hosted by Malawi. It took place from 23-25 June 2026.