DFID committed to inclusion of specially-abled people

If 10 per cent of global population is faced with disability, 21 million people in Pakistan face discrimination

ISLAMABAD: A commitment on the rights, freedom, dignity and inclusion of specially-abled people was endorsed on Thursday in a summit hosted by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

This summit was organised as a satellite event in connection with the Global Disability Summit which will take place on July 24 in London to mobilise global commitments on disability. The participants agreed on a charter of demands as the basis of action for inclusion of the specially-abled, it was based on four key themes; tackling stigma and discrimination, inclusion in education, routes to economic empowerment and harnessing technology and innovation.



The summit was organised in collaboration with the Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) and Sightsavers. A large number of representatives of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government, media and donors attended the event and discussed measures to improve the lives of those living with any form of disability.

Giving the opening remarks, British High Commissioner Thomas Drew said “Disability Inclusion is at the heart of UK’s development agenda. We are strong supporters of Pakistan’s work in promoting disability inclusion through the work that the UK’s Department for International Development and the British Council are doing. Today’s Summit is an important milestone in ensuring that those with disabilities are included and given opportunities.”

Addressing the Summit, DFID Pakistan Head Joana Reid said if we assume that 10 percent of the global population is living with disability as per international definition, there should be some 21 million people living in Pakistan who are facing avoidable barriers and are exposed to discrimination in society.



Pakistan must harness their potential, she said.  “Now is the time to break down the barriers that hold people back from achieving their potential. I am proud to endorse the charter of demands being presented today, as this is a step forward towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are visible, are listened to and have access to equitable life opportunities.”

Giving his remarks, Ministry Planning, Development and Reforms Secretary Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui said “We have special quotas in the government and are working to provide easy access for specially abled people. Our team at the ministry would like to take forward this charter of demands and we hope to take the lead in advancing the cause of disability inclusion in Pakistan”

Earlier, presenting the charter of demands, the STEP Executive Director Muhammad Atif said; “Many of you may not be aware of the fact that specially abled people do not qualify for insurance in Pakistan. Through this Charter, we will work towards sensitising the stakeholders to transform their policies for the benefit of people with disabilities.”



Sightsavers Country Director Munazza Gillani said: “Results speak for themselves and today, we have the representation of so many DPOs working very proudly in the development domain in Pakistan in alignment with the UNCRPD that Pakistan has ratified in 2011.”

DFID will co-host the first ever Global Disability Summit in London with a commitment to transform the lives of people living with disabilities in July. The Summit is expected to bring together government ministers, heads of donor agencies and civil society organisations and CEOs of private sector companies. The aim is to generate sustainable commitments from developing country governments, donors, civil society, foundations and the private sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2018.