First Lady concerned that children with disabilities are still abused

First Lady Esther Lungu

First Lady Esther Lungu has noted with concern that children with disabilities across the world are discriminated against, denied access to education, abused and even forced into servitude.

The First Lady has described this act as a gross violation of their rights.

Mrs. Lungu says children with disabilities have poor health outcomes, lower education achievements, less economic participation, and higher rates of poverty than children without disabilities.

She says this world be a better place if only children despite their status can live out their dreams and contribute their many talents to society.

Mrs. Lungu said this in Lusaka today during a unified sports day to mark United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking at the same event, UNICEF Zambia Representative Hamid El-Bashir Ibrahim has applauded Zambia for improving the health of athletes through screenings, intervention and targeted health education to children with intellectual disabilities and their families.