The ASEAN Human Rights Commission held an event entitled “Training to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” The four-day event was held from October 11th to the 14th in Bangkok, Thailand.
Participants were involved in interactive lectures and discussions in shared areas of research, led by experts from attending ASEAN countries. The purpose of the event was to equip participants with a knowledge and understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities in ASEAN member countries. At the same time, it was also an opportunity to connect, network, and find ways to work together to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the ASEAN region. The event included several representatives from Action to the Community Development Center (ACDC).
Disability is becoming increasingly viewed as a human rights issue internationally since the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was implemented in 2008. It is an important issue to which ASEAN is committed to as well, with all 10 ASEAN members having ratified the CRPD. However, to reach this goal requires knowledge, understanding, and support at the national and regional levels from various stakeholders in the community.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Southeast Asia has over 60 million disabled people, with many of them suffering from severe disabilities. Compared to many developed countries, many people with disabilities in ASEAN member countries do not have sufficient access to healthcare, education, transportation infrastructure, or decent jobs. They are also limited in receiving information from local media and are often deemed legally incompetent in the workforce due to their disability. This most vulnerable demographic is susceptible to abuse if not properly respected and acknowledged.
Ánh Ngọc
The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international document prepared by the United Nations for the purpose of protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The countries participating in the Convention must guarantee the right to equal enjoyment of all public services for persons with disabilities.
On 13/12/2006, United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities A / RES / 61/106. In Southeast Asia, countries have also ratified the CRPD. Specifically: Brunei, 11/04/2008; Philippines, 15/04/2008; Thailand, 29/07/2008; Laos, 25/09/2009; Indonesia, 30/11/2011; Malaysia, 19/07/2010; Myanmar, 07/12/2012; Cambodia, 20/12/2012; Singapore, 18/07/2013; Vietnam, 05/02/2015.
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