People with disabilities seek legal aid support

ZANZIBAR: PEOPLE with disabilities in Chwaka village have appealed for sustained access to legal aid services, emphasising the importance of legal education in helping them understand and defend their rights.

Speaking during a community session organised by the Zanzibar Legal Services Centre (ZLSC), participants said that regular legal education would empower them to address the challenges they face and assert their rights more confidently.

In addition to legal support, participants expressed the need for training in economic empowerment initiatives, which they said would help improve their livelihoods and reduce dependence.

They pointed out that, despite facing numerous challenges, many individuals with disabilities often lack the confidence and resources to pursue legal remedies, citing high legal costs and limited legal knowledge.

As a result, they described ZLSC’s free legal services as a critical lifeline for the community.

ZLSC Director, Ms Felista Mauya reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities.

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She explained that through a UNDP-funded legal empowerment project, ZLSC is expanding its mobile legal aid outreach to serve more communities across Unguja.

Addressing the meeting, one of the facilitators, Dr Sikujua Omar Hamdan called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities, stressing that such behaviour is a violation of the law.

She also urged parents and guardians of children with disabilities to take an active role in ensuring their children access their rights and are protected from abuse.

“We must use wisdom in raising our children so that we can protect them from various risks,” Dr Hamdan said.

As part of its ongoing efforts, ZLSC continues to raise awareness on a range of legal issues, including child care, land disputes, marriage conflicts and the rights