Two women, Lillian Chinyerere and Lorraine Mavhunda, have taken action against Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, demanding that the Legal Aid Directorate be relocated to an accessible building.
Represented by lawyer Harrison Nkomo of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the women raised their concerns in a letter addressed to Vimbai Nyemba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.
The letter highlighted the need for the government to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and ensure that legal services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical ability.
“In a letter of demand written recently to Vimbai Nyemba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the two women, namely Lillian Chinyerere and Lorraine Mavhunda, who are represented by Harrison Nkomo of @ZLHRLawyers, narrated the undertaking in writing stating that the Legal Aid Directorate will be relocated to a building, which is accessible to all persons without discrimination,” ZHLR posted.
They argue that the current location of the Legal Aid Directorate discriminates against persons with disabilities and others who face challenges accessing the building.
Nkomo warned that failure to address this issue would leave him with no choice but to take legal action.
The ZLHR emphasized the importance of ensuring that public services are available to everyone without discrimination, as mandated by the Constitution.
The women’s demand serves as a reminder for the government to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in all public facilities.
