FEDOMA Executive Director Simon Munde feels once the bill becomes law, it will safeguard the lives and rights of persons with disabilities in the country.

“During the commemoration of Human Rights Day, the president made a mention that the bill has not yet reached his office. To us the president is showing willingness to assent to the bill, we no longer need delays from other officers,” said Munde

Munde thinks the bill, once a law, will also create a favorable environment for the establishment of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) and the smooth operation of the Disability Trust Fund.

“This particular piece of legislation promotes disability rights. It should also be noted that the coming in of MACODA will help in service provision to persons with disabilities using rights-based approaches,” said the FEDOMA executive director.

He added that MACODA will be in a position to receive and investigate complaints on the violations of rights of people with disabilities.

“The bill is quite crucial as it repeals the Handicapped Persons Act and this means we are in line with the rest of the world.

“The world came up with the United Nations UN conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities,” said he.

A few days ago, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera indicated that he was just waiting for the officials to bring the bill to his office to sign it into law.

The president said his government is committed to promoting the rights of women, elderly and persons with disabilities, hence a step on conducting a comprehensive review of some laws in the country.

Parliament passed the bill early this month.