LAHORE: The government should include disabled people in the policy-making process and take solid steps to make them a functional part of the society, participants of a two-day national conference on Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan in connection with the upcoming International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) said.
The conference, organised by the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Network and the Milestone Society for Special Persons, is being attended by representatives of various NGOs working for people with disabilities, government representatives and legal experts working on the proposed Disability Act.
The IDPwD is observed each year on December 3. It is a United Nations (UN) sanctioned day to promote an understanding of people with disabilities and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.
According to a press statement issued by the conference organisers, the purpose of this event is to make the people conscious and aware of the rights of the disabled and to highlight the much-needed reforms and policies for them.
Addressing the inaugural session of the conference, Syed Bilal Qutab urged the government to involve people with disabilities in making policies for them.
He also praised the organisers of the conference for highlighting real issues being confronted by the disabled people in Pakistan and talked about an inclusive society.
Muhammad Shafiqur Rehman, the Milestone Society for Special Persons president, said disabled people should not be treated like a burden, but efforts should be made to make them active members of the society.
He talked about a barrier-free society and independent living (IL) concepts that his organisation had been promoting in Pakistan. He also highlighted the need for legislation to ensure the rights of special persons in the country.
Asim Zafar, the Saaya Association of Persons with Disabilities president, described efforts being made by various organisations for an inclusive society. He also talked about inclusive development and stressed the need for collaborative efforts in this regard.
After the inaugural session, panel discussions were held on topics including: ‘Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk: Risk Reduction and Emergency Responses, ‘Legislative Reforms for Persons with Disabilities’, ‘CBID Experience in Japan and Pakistan’ and ‘Role of DPOs through Independent Living Strategy’.
After the conference on Tuesday afternoon, disabled participants using wheelchairs will march towards the Lahore Press Club to highlight the significance of rights of the disabled people in Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2014.
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