Providing legal support: Implementation of convention for rights to disabled people demanded

ISLAMABAD:

Speakers at a consultation seminar demanded implementation of conventions on the right of disabled persons on Monday.

The seminar on the implementation of the United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) focused on “Inclusive Education/Literacy and barrier free communication and information with special emphasis on Women with Disabilities”. It was organised by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP).

The objective of the discussion was to devise a strategy for the implementation of UNCRPD in Pakistan, which was ratified by Pakistan on June 6, 2011 when President Asif Ali Zardari signed
the Instrument of Ratification.

Speaking on the occasion, Social Action for Inclusive Betterment Equity and Rehabilitation (SAIBER) Chief Executive Officer Niazullah Khan said, “The convention should be supported with capacity building on different levels in the government as well as the private sector.”

Talking to The Express Tribune, Ageing and Disability Task Force (ADTF) Coordinator Abiya Akram said currently it is estimated that a large number of women in Pakistan are having various forms of disability.

“In our society women are already considered weak and disability adds to their woes,” she added.

To which, Plan Pakistan’s Program Unit Manager Iffat Jamil said that women having disability in our country is considered as “double disability”.

She highlighted the case of a disabled young girl in Lahore who was chained and sexually abused at home.

Showing preparedness for taking the step forward in securing the rights of disabled people, Director UNESCO Dr Kozue Kay Nagata said, “We are geared for the formulation of legislation of anti-discrimination law for the rights of disabled people in Pakistan.”



Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2011.