Bangkok, Thailand, 8- 10 October 2024
Prof. Asha Hans
Chairperson Social Commission of RI
At the Eighth Session of the Committee on Social Development held in Bangkok, Rehabilitation International (RI) presented a call to action for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) to address critical challenges impacting persons with disabilities under the Jakarta Declaration and Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2023-2032). RI, represented by Prof. Asha Hans, underscored issues like poverty, accessibility, and gender disparities, citing that poverty for persons with disabilities is exacerbated by displacement from climate-related disasters and limited access to healthcare. RI further highlighted that accessibility issues persist in physical spaces and emerging technologies, while women with disabilities face distinct barriers, including exclusion from financial services and increased exposure to gender-based violence.
To address these pressing issues, RI recommended that UNESCAP member states prioritize inclusive economic measures, such as consulting persons with disabilities on employment inclusion and increasing funding for disability-focused organizations. The organization also urged countries to adopt universal design standards, improve education access for children with disabilities, and focus on Disability-Inclusive Climate Action (DiCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) strategies. RI further called for the establishment of a dedicated fund to alleviate poverty among women with disabilities, involving both public and private sectors to ensure sustainable support. This comprehensive approach aims to help realize the goals set forth in the Jakarta Declaration on the Decade of Persons with Disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and resilient future for all.
This article is also available at RI Newsletter Issue November 2024
