human rights defenders have called for robust legal and administrative measures to ensure the welfare of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs).

 

 

Islamabad, imrana koaml

At a policy dialogue held by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Potohar Mental Health Association, human rights defenders have called for robust legal and administrative measures to ensure the welfare of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs).

Participants called on the government to conduct a countrywide census of PLWDs to ensure that budgetary allocations for their welfare are better targeted. They also criticized the lack of due representation for PLWDs in legislative and policymaking bodies, especially in KP and Balochistan.

Speakers urged both the state and society to look at PLWDs as differently abled persons rather than ‘disabled’ and called on all human rights defenders to launch an organized movement to compel the state to enact better laws for PLWDs’ welfare and devise effective mechanisms that would help them integrate with the mainstream population, whether at home or at educational institutions, or at hospitals, banks and industries. Additionally, buildings in the public and private sectors must be made accessible to PLWDs as a matter of policy and practice and their access to digital information made easier.

Several speakers pointed out that early detection and diagnosis of disabilities would enable early treatment, thereby preventing several disabilities. Women living with disabilities face the double burden of gender and ability.

In his concluding remarks, former senator and HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar said that the widespread trend of using derogatory words for PLWDs must be countered. Unless both the state and society and state are sensitized, mere legislative and administrative measures will remain insufficient, he said, adding that all political parties should ensure that their manifestoes include clear commitments to uplifting PLWDs.