(11.09.08) People With Disability Solomon
Islands (PWDSI) has thanked the Government for
recognising their rights.
Cabinet recently passed a paper that would obligate
the Government to sign the Convention on the Rights of
People with Disabilities.
PWDSI spokesperson Savina Nongebatu said this was the
first step towards signing and subsequent ratification of
the convention.
"We want to thank the Government for taking this bold
step," Ms Nongebatu said.
"We are indeed in a new era where people with
disabilities will be protected," she added.
Ms Nongebatu said they were told cabinet passed the
submission paper on this convention on 29 August
2008.
She said the convention is a major step toward
changing the perception of disability and ensures
societies recognise that all people must be provided with
opportunities to live life to their fullest
potential.
"This convention departs from the common
conceptualisation of disability as a medical or charity
issue and treats disability as human rights issues.
"This is what disable peoples' organisations have been
advocating for many years. The purpose of this convention
is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal
enjoyment of all human rights by persons with
disabilities," Ms Nongebatu said.
She added it also covers a number of key areas such as
accessibility, personal mobility, health, education,
employment, habilitation and rehabilitation,
participation in political life and equality and
non-discrimination.
"The convention marks a shift in thinking about
disability from a social welfare concern to a human
rights issue, which acknowledges that social barriers and
prejudices are themselves disabling. This convention does
not create new rights or entitlements. What the
convention does, however, is express existing rights in a
manner that addresses the needs and situations of persons
with disabilities."
Ms Nongebatu said her organisation looks forward to
inclusive government policies which will guarantee a
truly inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society
for all people.
"We would like to also thank all its partners in
disability for their support and the Ministry of Health
and Medical Services, which is responsible for
disability."
Source http://solomonstarnews.com/
