|
REGIONAL COORDINATION
MECHANISM THEMATIC WORKING GROUP ON DISABILITY-RELATED CONCERNS
|
ANNEX II
EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES (EFA)
7 JULY 2005, BANGKOK
DRAFT MINUTES
I. OPENING OF THE MEETING
The ninth session of the Task Force on Education for all Children
and Youth with Disabilities was co-chaired by Mr Bill Brohier
and Ms Penny Price. The session was attended by 51 members. We
welcomed a number of participants who attended for the first time.
We were very pleased also to welcome Mr Ko-Chih Tung, Director
of the AIMS Unit of UNESCO and two of his associates, and Mr Cliff
Meyers, Regional Adviser on Education from UNICEF.
Apologies were received from Olof Sandkull and Jon Kapp of UNESCO,
Khun Phoranee of Parents Association, Graham Smith and Frank Hall-Bentick
of Disability Australia.
II and III. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda and Minutes were adopted:
- Welcome and self introductions.
- Adoption of the Agenda.
- Confirmation of the Minutes of the session of TF EFA held
on 1 December 2004.
- Report of TF EFA activities.
- Flagship on the Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities:
Towards Inclusion Formation of the Asia/Pacific Regional Flagship
Working Group:
- TOR updated.
- Adoption by TF EFA of a resolution to amalgamate TF EFA
with RFWG.
- Consideration of name change: Recommendation.
TWGDC Task Force and Flagship Working Group on the Right
to Education for Children and Youth with Disabilities in
the Asian and Pacific region (TF and RFWG on the Right to
Education)
- Request to TWGDC to approve amalgamation of TF EFA and
RFWG.
- Report of the 5th-6th Ad Hoc Meeting to draft text for an
international convention to promote and protect the rights and
dignity of persons with disabilities, held in New York, 24 May
- 8 June 2004. IDA draft text for Article 17.
5th Ad Hoc Meeting: 24 January - 4 February 2005; 6th Ad Hoc
Meeting 1-12 August 2005.
- Reports from TF EFA members.
- Other matters.
IV. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
- Members of the Task Force have been active in advocacy roles
and in the provision of technical expertise, particularly participating
in a wide range of conferences and meetings related to the education
of children with disabilities, including early intervention,
in the region. There have been some activities at international
level.
- Activities of CBM
2.1 As an immediate result of the Dec.26 tragedy, CBM Head
Office and its Regional Offices of Central East Asia, South
Asia (South), and South-East Asia sprang into action to assess
the damage in the Tsunami-devastated areas of India, Indonesia,
Sri Lanka, and Thailand, as well as the typhoon-torn parts
of the Philippine, to mobilize some short-term relief for
persons with disabilities and to draw up long-term intervention
programmes.
2.2 The workshop was the result of cooperation between the
National Institute for Educational Strategies and Curriculum
(NIESC), Ministry of Education and Training, local organisations
and INGOs. The aim of the workshop was to analyse opinions
and comments to formulate the first master plan for IE throughout
Vietnam.
CBM funded USD 8,000 towards the workshop. Ms Silvana Inselmann,
CEARO Regional Representative, Mr Wichai Srisura, Ms Sirin
Atsilarat, CEARO Programme Officers and Mr Kirk Horton, Inclusive
Education Advisor, all from Bangkok, attended. The master
plan would try to develop potential schools to become Resource
Centres in order to share human resources and facilities,
and serve as production units, for Early Intervention and
Inclusive Education.
2.3 May 04-06 Roundtable III, Disability Mainstreaming in
Practice: The Case of Inclusive Education, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This roundtable was the third of three regional roundtables
held as part of the Disability Knowledge and Research programme
(Disability KaR), a Department for International Development
(DFID). The roundtables were organized by Healthlink Worldwide
and a national disability organization in each of the countries
where the roundtables took place.
It was attended by 64 participants. Among the participants
were members of the inclusive education team and the Cambodian
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), representatives
of United Nations agencies, donor organizations and mainstream
international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and
representatives of regional, national and grass roots disabled
people's organizations (DPOs).
The discussions focused on the concepts of inclusive education,
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to inclusive
education (SWOT analysis) and strategies to overcome the challenges
identified through the SWOT analysis.
It was noted that Cambodia has an existing law that prevents
people with disabilities from becoming teachers. The Disability
Action Council, Cambodia is working with the Ministry to have
this law changed.
Mr Olof Sandkull/UNESCO-BKK and Ms Aiko Akiyama/UNESCAP-TWGDC
made presentations, and Mr William G. Brohier represented
CBM as a facilitator.
- ICEVI (International Council for Education of People with
Visual Impairment)
3.1 Two Conferences, within the Asia-Pacific Region, have
been held so far this year: Jan.23-27 West Asia Regional Conference
in Delhi, India. Its theme was: Inclusion: Getting the Rights-Based
Right Approach Right. Mr Larry Campbell, President of ICEVI,
delivered the Keynote Address
February 20-23 East Asia Regional Conference in Jomtien, Thailand.
The theme: Education for All - So Near and Yet So Far.
As the late Mr Lal Advani, representing the World Blind Union
(WBU) and Mr William G. Brohier, as the then President of ICEVI
and Regional Representative of CBM-SEAPRO, were the co-initiators
who succeeded in getting Article 3.5 of the World Declaration
on Education for All expanded from only:
The learning needs of the disabled demand special attention
to the inclusion of this second crucial sentence:
Steps need to be taken to provide equal access to education
to every category of disabled persons as an integral part of
the education system.
Mr Brohier was invited to present the Keynote Address: Jomtien
- Past, Present, and Future.
- Flagship on the Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities:
Towards Inclusion
The Flagship has formed a third Working Group on Teacher Education,
recognizing the critical role of well trained teachers to achieve
the goal of inclusive education for all children, including
children with disabilities. The first meeting was held in Cairo,
May 2005. Ms Penny Price is a member of this Working Group.
The second meeting of the Flagship Working Group on Disability
Statistics and Data will be held in Paris, 25-27 July 2005.
Mr Ko-Chih Tung, AIMS Unit of UNESCO-BKK, is a key member of
this working group.
The full Flagship secretariat will hold an informal meeting
in New York on 29-30 July 2005. This will be the first meeting
of the secretariat since its initial meeting in Uganda in November
2003.
- UNESCO-BKK
5.1 Mr Olof Sandkull attended the Disability and Inclusive
Development Conference 2004: Sharing, Learning and Building
Alliances meeting held by the World Bank in Washington, D.C.,
30 November -1 December 2004. He presented UNESCO Bangkok
regional activities at the Education Round-table and had a
table in the exhibition. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/EXTDISABILITY/0,
,contentMDK:20245996~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:282699,00.html
5.2.The Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly
Environments, launched by UNESCO-BKK has been or is being
translated into Khmer, Vietnamese, Thai, Bhasa Indonesia,
Urdo, Farsi, Karen, and Chinese. The Toolkit is being piloted
and adapted in Bhutan, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran,
Pakistan, Samoa and Viet Nam.
A revised "File-binder" version of the Toolkit with
references to the UN Convention and Disability Guidelines
is planned.
Mr Olof Sandkull will organize a side-event during the Ad
hoc committee meeting for the UN Convention: Putting the convention
into practice: ensuring education for all, 5 August 2005 and
Pacific Inclusive Education-workshop in Samoa, 28-30 November)
For further information: o.sandkull@unescobkk.org
- UNESCO-BKK/AIMS Unit
6.1 The Project to develop a Manual for Action to Include
Children with Disabilities in School Systems and in the EFA
Monitoring System held a Writers' Review Workshop in Bangkok,
6-10 June 2005. It was attended by 50 people from the 5 countries
in which case studies had been conducted, with representatives
from government, schools, organizations of persons with disabilities,
parents of children with disabilities, university teacher
training professionals, NGOs engaged in inclusive education
in the region, and experts. It included a large contingent
from Thailand. The outcome of the Workshop was a series of
recommendations from the perspectives of Government, School
personnel, and other stakeholders including persons with disabilities,
parents, community members, on issues of concern in the provision
of education to children with disabilities. These issues included
national policy, legislation, budgetary allocation, education
providers, administration and implementation, multisectoral
collaboration, the structure of the school system, teacher
education, data, statistics, definitions, monitoring and evaluation,
and the collaborative role of organizations of persons with
disabilities, family members, parents organizations and community
members. These recommendations will be incorporated into the
Manual on Guidelines for Action which are currently in preparation.
Penny and Bill were two of the resource persons at the Workshop
and Penny is engaged in writing the Manual.
6.2 UNESCO-BKK TWG EFA
Ms Aiko Akiyama, Ms Penny Price and Mr William G. Brohier
attended the TWG EFA meeting held on 3 June 2005 and presented
a report on the activities of TF EFA and the Flagship on the
Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities: Towards
Inclusion. The report on Flagship activities is attached.
- Upcoming events
- Meeting of the Flagship Working Group on Disability Statistics
and Indicators, Paris, 25-27 July 2005
- Informal meeting of the Flagship secretariat, New York 29-30
July 2005
- 6th Ad Hoc meeting on the UN Convention to Promote and Protect
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, New York, 1-12 August
2005
- ISEC 2005, Glasgow 1-4 August 2005
- Pacific Forum Secretariat Meeting on Disability, Nadi Fiji,
1-4 August 2005
- International Symposium on Inclusion in, Indonesia 26-29 September
2005
- Leonard Cheshire/UNESCAP International Conference in Bangkok
17-18 October, 2005
- UNESCO Pacific Meeting on Inclusive Education, 28-30 November,
Samoa
- The 12th World Conference of ICEVI will be held in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia from July 16-21, 2006. Its theme:
Achieving Equality in Education: New Challenges and Strategies
for Change
Deadline for receipt of Abstracts: September 15, 2005.
Please refer to the attached flyer for further details, and
visit the website: www.icevi.org for full information about
all three of the ICEVI Conference, as well as ICEVI itself.
"This is the Second Call for Papers inviting you to submit
a paper to the 4th International Conference on Information Technology
in Asia (CITA'05) which will be held in the capital of Sarawak
- Kuching, Malaysia from 12-15, December 2005.
CITA'05 (http://www.cita05.org) provides a platform to bring
together researchers and practitioners from different research
descriptions and fields of industry, to contribute to a pool
of knowledge and experience as well as to collaborate in addressing
the issues of applying, integrating and monitoring the ubiquitous
computing. Thus, The theme of the conference for this time is
Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing: Computing Anytime, for Everyone.
V. FLAGSHIP ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: TOWARDS INCLUSION
Background
At the first meeting of the Flagship Steering Committee in November
2003 terms of reference were prepared for the formation of a Flagship
Working Group in the Asian and Pacific region. This is the first
regional Flagship Working Group formed, and it was in recognition
of the fact that TF EFA had in fact been performing the advocacy
role of such a working group.
One of the strategies recommended for the Working Group was that
it form a partnership with TF EFA. Many of the activities in the
suggested action plan have already been carried out by TF EFA,
with its partners, or are in progress. The goals and strategies
of the two entities are identical. Discussion on this issue had
taken place at the last two meetings of TF EFA.
Discussion on the Flagship issue suggested that more agencies
than those nominated currently as part of the Coordinating body
would be interested in being involved. This confirmed the interest
that had been shown in December 2004. TF EFA adopted a resolution
to merge TF EFA with the regional Flagship Working Group to form
one entity. TF EFA would seek approval from TWGDC to become the
TWGDC Task Force and Flagship Working Group on the Right to Education
for Children and Youth with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific
Region (TF and RFWG on the Right to Education).
The recommended organization would be as follows:
A coordinating body or secretariat consisting of RI Education
Commission and RI Asia/Pacific, CBM, (Currently Co-Chairs of TF
EFA), UNESCAP and UNESCO Bangkok will organize and co-chair joint
meetings of TF EFA and the Regional Flagship Working Group for
Asia and the Pacific (RFWG), and will undertake secretariat tasks.
Meetings of the Regional Flagship Working Group (RFWG) will be
held jointly with TF EFA, within the framework of TWGDC, in accordance
with the schedule of UNESCAP. Any additional meetings or activities
will be organized by the joint TF EFA and RFWG secretariat without
any expectation of UNESCAP support.
The secretariat of the joint TF EFA and RFWG will act as the link
between the Flagship secretariat (UNESCO-HQ and University of
Oslo) and the Working Group in terms of coordinating activities
in the region in liaison with other partners.
The combined TF EFA and the RFWG will report to TWGDC (UNESCAP),
TWG EFA (UNESCO-BKK) and to the Flagship secretariat (UNESCO-HQ
and University of Oslo).
The Flagship sees the formation of regional Working Groups as
one of its key strategies for achieving the goal of education
for all persons with disabilities. It is hoped that the Asian
and Pacific region will provide a model in this regard, in much
the same way that the Asian and Pacific Decade has done in the
African and Arab region.
VI.REPORT OF THE 5TH AD HOC MEETING TO DRAFT TEXT FOR
AN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS
AND DIGNITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, HELD IN NEW YORK, 24
MAY-8 JUNE 2004. IDA DRAFT TEXT FOR ARTICLE 17; 5TH AD HOC MEETING:
24 JANUARY-4 FEBRUARY 2005; 6TH AD HOC MEETING 1-12 AUGUST 2005
Ms Heidi Forrest reported that there were some contentious aspects
in the draft text, particularly concerning issues of alternative
modes of communication. Mr J.B. Munro received strong support
for his statement that with 80 per cent of disabled children living
in rural areas they must be able to go to local community schools.
UNICEF also spoke in favour of an inclusive approach and said
that the link with support to students and teachers in regular
schools must be strengthened. Heidi will attend the 6th Ad Hoc
meeting.
VII.REPORTS FROM TF EFA MEMBERS
UNICEF
We were very pleased to welcome Mr Cliff Meyers to the meeting.
Mr Meyers reported that UNICEF had a new Director and that there
was renewed emphasis on inclusive education and children with
disabilities. Mr Meyers was concerned that inclusive education
was becoming a catch-all for a wide range of children and that
this was detracting from the focus on children with disabilities.
He said that regional resources in the East Asia and Pacific region
would be used to encourage country level advocacy linked inclusive
education.
Mr William G. Brohier (Bill) reported on an initiative of the
WBU and ICEVI who attended the NGO Committee on UNICEF on June
4, 2005. WBU was also representing other organizations which were
unable to be present: Inclusion International, Rehabilitation
International, and the Canadian Association for Community Living.
A Brief on shared concerns regarding children with disabilities
was presented (See file: ICEVI.WBU UNICEF Briefing Note June 2005.doc
Annex A). The proposal to have an NGO Committee Working Group
on Children with Disabilities was unanimously agreed upon. This
was a very important step for us as we have the full support of
the NGO Committee. The Working Group will be made up of the World
Blind Union, ICEVI, Inclusion International, and CACL, as well
as other interested parties. The goal will be to work toward the
inclusion of children with disabilities in all of UNICEF's programmes.
On 6 June 2005 a meeting was held with Ms Alexandra Yuster who
has the full responsibility of children with disabilities under
the category of Protection. It was a very successful meeting.
Ms Yuster spoke of the Guidance Note on Childhood Disability that
she was involved in writing last year with the consultation of
many interested parties. The hope is to distribute the Note to
all UNICEF programmes and have children with disabilities included
across the board. Ms Yuster agreed to be the Working Group on
Children with Disabilities link person with UNICEF. Ways were
discussed in which to partner with UNICEF. Two important ways
in which we might be able to work together were discussed. The
first is in gathering data on the numbers of children with disabilities
Finally a meeting was held with Ms Ann Veneman, new Executive
Director of UNICEF. There were about 25 organizations represented,
many with the CEO present. Each had the opportunity to tell her
about their organization concerns for UNICEF, and spoke on behalf
of all children with disabilities and about blind children in
particular. She showed interest in all the organizations. There
is a need to show up at as many UNICEF meetings as possible to
maintain a high level of attention on this issue. The climate
has changed in UNICEF in favor of children with disabilities.
Government of India
The Director, Ministry of Justice and Empowerment, Government
of India, Ms Mridul Jain reported on the new policy on inclusive
education in India, for children with disabilities from 6-14 years,
with defined budgetary support for each child for assistive devices
and mobility training and other supports. This included the establishment
of 25 District Disability Centres which would train teachers in
their district.
Inclusive education
There was extensive discussion on the parameters of inclusive
education; with a dilemma described by Joseph in Hong Kong as
to whether separate policy should be developed to ensure education
for children with dyslexia, learning disabilities and attention
deficit disorders. Cliff (UNICEF) reported that in Laos the IE
program was now considering girls and under-nourished children
as part of its targets and he warned again about diluting the
focus from children with disabilities.
Teacher training was seen, as a key factor for success but examples
of teachers with special training being removed from classes with
children with disabilities is counter productive and a waste of
limited human resources. There is a need for advocacy for more
training of teachers in special education, both pre-and in-service
training. Resources are a major issue.
Mr Ko-Chih Tung reported on the problems of data and statistics,
with complete lack of data on children with disabilities and education.
WHO health statistics were too elaborate, requiring clinical analysis.
Old style household surveys did not gain information related to
education sector and were hard to analyse.
School statistics consisted of little more than a simple count.
Some countries are trying to incorporate specific questions on
children with disabilities. The UNICEF MICS surveys cannot be
used without a panel of medical specialists. There is a need to
develop a pragmatic/functional/participatory approach. Research
is on-going under the work of the Flagship Working Group on Disability
Statistics and Indicators.
Mr Ko-Chih Tung requested that anyone with data on children with
disabilities send it to him: kc.tung@unescobkk.org
Mr J.B. Munro reported on the very effective surveys undertaken
in several Pacific countries by Inclusion International with local
participation.
The meeting concluded at 10.30 and it was agreed that the participants
were willing to continue in the 08.00 time slot.
APPENDIX A
BRIEFING NOTE
UNICEF and Children with Disabilities: Moving Forward With Inclusion
Prepared Jointly by the World Blind Union, Inclusion International,
the Canadian Association for Community Living, and the International
Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment, and handed
to the UNICEF NGO Committee and the new Executive Director of
UNICEF, Jun.4-7, 2005.S
UNICEF, with the support of the NGO Committee, should increase
its focus on children with disabilities. This will enable UNICEF,
as the lead agency for children, to better promote and advance
the human rights and full inclusion of children with disabilities
in its policies, programmes and partnerships.
Please consider that:
- Children with disabilities make up approximately 10 per cent
of the world’s child population (approximately 200 million);
an estimated 80 per cent of whom live in developing countries;
- Less than 2 per cent attend school;
- An estimated 40 million of the 115 million children not in
school have a disability;
- Children with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty.
- Mortality for children with disabilities may be high as 80
per cent in countries where under-five mortality as a whole
has decreased to below 20 per cent;
- Young girls with disabilities are at an increased risk for
AIDS/HIV infection because of assumptions that they are not
sexually active and education campaigns do not target them.
The challenges:
Children who have a disability are consistently among the world’s
poorest and most disadvantaged children. They face the double
disadvantage of being both children and a person with a disability.
The realization of their human rights requires strategies to promote
inclusion in the home with their families, in their communities
and in systems of education, early child development and health.
Children with disabilities have been largely invisible in international
efforts and initiatives, even those specifically targeted at children.
For example, UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children
2005 does not address the issue of disability in any great detail.
Without the inclusion of children with disabilities many international
initiatives, such as the MDGs and Education for All, cannot be
achieved. Currently, UN states parties are negotiating the development
of a UN Convention on Disability. A critical question that remains
unanswered is whether or not the Convention will contain a specific
article on children with disabilities. In this regard we need
the help and support of UNICEF.
Where children with disabilities are mentioned in the above initiatives,
disability is often presented from a medical model understanding
of disability. This broader monitoring framework often does not
incorporate specific targets and indicators on children with disabilities.
Without these, policies and programmes are often not held accountable
for inclusion. Further, statistical information on children with
disabilities has not been collected in a coordinated manner. Data
collection on issues such as education often do not include questions
on disability. These gaps in information present challenges to
civil society, multilateral organizations and governments. Again,
UNICEF can play a fundamental role in achieving these goals.
Ideas and mechanisms:
- Include disability as a cross-cutting issue in UNICEF’s
MTSP – while the current draft of the MTSP does
mention disability as a component of a cross-cutting strategy,
children with disabilities are largely missing in key areas
throughout the document. In particular:
- The five focus areas should explicitly recognize children
with disabilities. For example, Young Child Survival and
Development should recognize the gap in improvements of
under-five mortality rates for children with disabilities.
Specific efforts will be needed to decrease the gap between
children with and without disabilities. Basic Education
should recognize that, according to the World Bank, disability
may be the single most important factor in the exclusion
of a child from schooling. As such, specific efforts will
be needed to ensure that education for all really does mean
all.
- A social model approach to disability should underlie
discussions on disability. Disability should not be confined
to just the medical perspective presented in the document.
While some disabilities are a result of malnutrition, iron
deficiency etc., the document should reflect that disability
is a naturally occurring form of diversity.
- Targets and indicators on disability should be incorporated.
- Strategic intent and organization targets should reflect
an understanding of disability issues and a commitment to
act.
- Key results should include specific goals for children
with disabilities.
- Commit to a focus on disability in strengthening
alliances within the UN family and beyond – the
MTSP commits UNICEF to strengthening alliances within the UN
family and beyond. As the voice for children, children with
disabilities rely on UNICEF to bring their issues, voices and
needs to these partnerships. In particular, where disability-specific
issues are being discussed, such as at the World Bank, the UNESCO
Flagship on Education for All and the UN Convention on Disability,
UNICEF should be an active participant.
- Establish an NGO Committee Working Group on Disability
– such a working group could explore strategic
ways in which children with disabilities can get a higher profile
within UNICEF. The Working Group could provide advice and assistance
in developing and incorporating targets and indicators on disability
and provide direction in including children with disabilities
in UNICEF documents, such as the State of the World’s
Children. Working Group members could connect with others, such
as the World Bank Disability Advisor, to work collaboratively
on shared issues. The Working Group could act as the vehicle
for implementing the first two mechanisms identified above.
Conclusion:
Children with disabilities need a champion in UNICEF. The extreme
marginalization of children with disabilities results in their
invisibility in policy and programme development, and in monitoring
and public reporting. UNICEF is in a key position to promote and
advance the human rights and full inclusion of children with disabilities
and to provide both a profile and priority to the issues of exclusion
and marginalization facing children with disabilities throughout
the world. The continued exclusion of children with disabilities
represents a real threat to achieving international initiatives
and true progress in their development. Inclusive approaches to
children’s rights are the only way to achieve progress for
all. Most importantly, UNICEF can play a key role in achieving
these goals - thank you!
List of attendance
Attendance sheet, 7 July 2005
Education
| |
Name |
Organization |
| 1. |
Jason McKey |
ACROD |
| 2. |
Bryan Woodford |
ACROD |
| 3. |
Penelope Price |
Rehabilitation International |
| 4. |
Bill Brohier |
CBM & ICEVI |
| 5. |
Nipatta Quamman |
Handicap International |
| 6. |
Jaruwan Tiwasiri |
Handicap International |
| 7. |
Fung Wai Ying, Emily |
Chosen Power |
| 8. |
Jayamanne |
M.D.C. |
| 9. |
Seila Hort |
VIC |
| 10. |
Misako Arai |
JSRPD |
| 11. |
Long Ly |
NCDP |
| 12. |
Claire Perrin-Houdon |
Handicap International |
| 13. |
Aki Fujiwara |
Handicap International |
| 14. |
Anita Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired |
| 15. |
Chad Conlin |
NGO Forum, Cambodia |
| 16. |
Phoranee Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired |
| 17. |
Masudul Abedin Khan |
Centre for Disability in Development |
| 18. |
Nazmul Bari |
Centre for Disability in Development |
| 19. |
Mridul Jain |
Ministry of Social Justice, India |
| 20. |
Mary Scott |
Cambodia Trust |
| 21. |
Savina Daulaasi |
Disabled Peoples' Association of Solomon Islands |
| 22. |
Melody K. Sade |
DPASI |
| 23. |
J.B. Munro |
Inclusive International, Asia Pacific region |
| 24. |
Heidi Forrest |
People with Disability Australia |
| 25. |
Alanna Clohesy |
People with Disability Australia |
| 26. |
Nofovaleane Mapusua |
|
| 27. |
Robinson Saragih |
Ministry of Social Affairs |
| 28. |
Kenji Kuno |
JICA, Malaysia |
| 29. |
Ko-Chih, Tung |
UNESCO |
| 30. |
Dominique Blu |
Handicap International |
| 31. |
Catalina L.Fermin |
NCWDP, Philippines |
| 32. |
Laurentino Guterres |
KATILOSA |
| 33. |
Hyunjoo Youn |
UNESCO |
| 34. |
Diah Yulianti |
UNESCO/AIM5 |
| 35. |
Le Hai Anh Disability Forum |
Viet Nam |
| 36. |
Nagase Osamu |
Inclusive International |
| 37. |
Farida Yesmin |
CRRD |
| 38. |
Lim Puay Tiak |
NCSS, Singapore |
| 39. |
Kirk Horton Hiltav |
Perkins Program |
| 40. |
Etsuko Ueno |
APDF |
| 41. |
Joseph Kwok Joint Council |
,Hong Kong, China |
| 42. |
Nareewan Chintaka |
FAPCD |
| 43. |
Ngy San |
Disability Action Council |
| 44. |
Cliff Meyers |
UNICEF |
| 45. |
Norani Hashim |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 46. |
Vi Hai Nam |
National Coordinating Council on Disability, Viet Nam |
| 47. |
Ngiem Xuan Tue |
National Coordinating Council on Disability, Viet Nam |
| 48. |
Pecharat Techavachara |
Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind |
| 49. |
Amporn Techavachara |
Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind |
| 50. |
Philip Yuen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 51. |
Limia Dewan |
BRAC |
| 52. |
Meghamali Aliwihare |
Employers Federation of Ceylon |
| 53. |
Rahamah Binti Hj. Mohd Baki |
Department of Social Welfare, Bangi Industrial Training
and Rehabilitation Centre, Malaysia |
ANNEX II (b)
EMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION TASK FORCE
7 JULY 2005, BANGKOK
- OPENING OF THE MEETING
Ms Debra Perry, ILO, chaired the meeting and welcomed participants.
Each participant introduced him or herself. Forty-five individuals
representing UN agencies, governments and DPOs participated in
the meeting. (See appendix 1 for list of all attendees). The agenda
was adopted (see paragraph 2). Mr Bryan Woodford took meeting
notes.
- and III. ADOPTION
The Chairman presented the following agenda, which was approved
by those in attendance:
1. Welcome and self-introductions
2. Adoption of the agenda
3. Approval of the prior meeting Minutes
4. Update on activities
(a) MNC Roundtable Meeting with outcomes, follow-up and employer
resource manual
(b) CBR Meeting with outcomes and follow-up required
5. Reports of activities, especially related to BMF targets *
UN agencies and country level
6. Old issues
(a) Government as a model employer
(b) Intern to collect information
(c) More attention to credit/self-employment
7. New business
- The Minutes from the Employment and Poverty Alleviation Task
Force meeting held on 1st December 2004 were reviewed. The Chairperson
suggested that references to companies should be deleted. This
would be appropriate since in some cases employers were never
contacted by TWG members and it could appear that they declined
to participate. This was approved. Otherwise the meeting minutes
were confirmed.
- Debra briefed the Task Force members on the ILO/ESCAP Multinational
Corporation Roundtable on Disability and Employment. In addition
to the presence of fourteen companies, many of whom sent multiple
representatives, two employers' organizations representatives
attended resulting in a total of 25 business representatives.
An overview of the agenda and outcomes were reviewed. Task force
members who attended the shared their opinions about the event,
which were overwhelming positive. The meeting was seen as a
beneficial forum for stakeholders to learn from each other and
an opportunity to launch partnerships.
- The representative from the Indian Government not that India
is trying to come to terms with it high unemployment rates;
and with many disabled persons in rural areas the challenges
is great. The representative particularly was encouraged by
the inputs from IBM and Nike. The government discussed the need
to bring the message back to India and suggested replicating
the meeting at national levels. Later in the meeting, several
other representatives also discussed replicating the meeting
at a national level.
- Ms Debra Perry noted that multinationals can be approached
from two perspectives, using Nike in Viet Nam as an example.
From the social responsibility perspective, Nike encourages
and supports women’s projects. From the business case,
a Nike subcontractor hires many workers with disabilities and
Nike promotes this as a best case. However, she also noted that
multinational companies typically take their obligations to
abide by national labour laws seriously. In Viet Nam, the laws
restricting the working hours to 7 hours per day, makes the
factory hiring of so many disabled persons quite remarkable.
- Ms Pecharat Techavachara noted that the theme of “Unlocking
Potential” was a good choice since it promoted people
with disabilities not as a burden, but as an asset to be released.
He met with and plans to follow-up with two of the companies
that expressed willingness to employer disabled persons.
- Ms Debra Perry noted that many of the companies were not
aware of what was happening at the country level and gave some
examples about companies that learned about how some of their
outlets or offices at the country level where hiring working
with disabilities. This internal awareness raising was one of
the benefits of the Roundtable.
- A representative from Cambodia Trust commented that Mr Mark
Bagshaw was an excellent role model, demonstrating that people
with disabilities can aspire to top jobs.
- Government representatives from the Philippines and Indonesia
shared their feelings about the Roundtable. The former found
it a good forum for governments to listen and learn and noted
that it presented opportunities that could be expanded. The
Indonesian representative met several company representatives
and hopes it will be an opportunity to establish student sponsorships.
- A representative from Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee
(BRAC) in Bangladesh discussed the many of the people with disabilities
were in rural areas and unemployed and further shared that she
found it easier to promote blind persons to employers because
they had skills.
- The Chair noted the opportunities for rural activities even
among multinationals, using the Marriott/Hong Chi example and
the possibilities it presents. Marriott is helping Hong Chi
grow herbs and organic vegetables, which it then purchases for
use in its hotels. It also purchases and distributes certain
handicrafts items. This model could be replicated in tourist
and eco-tourism areas. Ms Deborah Wan from Hong Kong, China,
further described the relationship that results in people with
intellectual disabilities getting training in housekeeping and
baking. Others noted that hotels could hire blind masseurs and
that airports presented another work opportunity for blind masseurs.
The FAO representative noted that blind people can grow mushrooms
and make incense sticks used in temples and offered that he
can help make contacts with large number of community groups
in this regard.
- Several meeting participants noted that NGOs have to respond
to the companies' needs from a marketing perspective, especially
by offering training to disabled persons according to the employer’s
needs. Ms Debra Perry brought up the example of Sri Lanka where
the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon in Sri Lanka works
with Motivation and NGO, another example from the Roundtable
to meet employer hiring needs by screening and matching appropriate
job candidates and helping with training and follow-up.
- Ms Debra Perry discussed some of the meeting outcomes and
suggestions. Some of the key follow-up points, which had been
part of the Roundtable conclusions, were reviewed and discussed,
including the following:
- Replicating the meeting at national levels.
- Becoming more proactive with employers and market responsive.
- Determining meeting impact. Debra repeated her intention
to follow-up with all the participants for one year.
- Organizing a meeting in one year’s time to review the
progress and impact of the first Roundtable. There was general
consensus that this would be a good idea. It was also noted
that one of the companies (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) suggested
that each of the MNCs should bring one other company to the
next such event.
- Establishing a permanent network of companies interested
in disability and development. Debra will take this up.
- Making the “disability mentoring” programme permanent.
At the Roundtable, each company was paired with a disability
expert to make sure they met the right people and to answer
their questions. It was noted that this type of relationship
could be on a permanent basis. A list of interested mentors
was collected.
- Collecting additional examples of good practices among companies.
- Continuing to develop the Resource Manual for Employers which
was drafted for the Roundtable meeting.
- Ms Aiko Akiyama briefed the participants on the CBR workshop
that was held the 5 and 6 July. Seventy persons attended the
first day and 20 the second day, the latter being more informal
in nature. The workshop focused on the conceptual CBR framework
as well as topics such as mobilizing financial and human resources,
networking, sharing innovative ideas and methods to assist self-help
organizations. A joint statement on CBR and other community
initiatives was prepared. It was distributed at the meeting.
- The participants discussed various aspects of the CBR meeting
and the continued development of the model. The WHO representative
(Chapel) noted that the meeting was a great opportunity to promote
how CBR is evolving over time. A CBR matrix was presented at
the meeting that needs to be promoted and used. It requires
a multidisciplinary approach that must be responsive to multiple
disabilities. He noted the difficulty in bringing the stakeholders
together but said it can be done. A workshop involving UNESCO,
WHO, FAO, ILO, ESCAP and others is needed. He also cautioned
that the corporations should not be involved unless the field
is prepared to follow-up and follow-up effectively with suitable
job candidates.
- Other meeting participants supported Chapal’s views.
The WHO representative added that cooperatives should be brought
to the table as well.
- With regard to reports of activities related to the BMF,
Ms Debra Perry gave some selected activities:
- The Alleviating Poverty through Peer Training programme in
Cambodia, which uses informal peer trainers and financial supports
to help disabled persons start businesses, has a new component
to serve women and families affected by disability.
- The ILO and Korean Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled
initiated a fellowship programme that provided training on policy
development in June and would conduct another two-week programme
in July related to vocational training. This is a significant
development since it marks the introduction of the Korean government
as a disability donor and participant in international cooperation
in the region.
- China held a meeting on employment injury insurance; it programme
includes rehabilitation provisions. It was also noted that CDPF
in Shanghai and the ILO are holding a training session on organizing
and following-up on an employer awareness workshop. Shanghai
CDPF will hold such a workshop in the next couple of months.
- The ILO has conducted many other national level activities
to promote BMF actions and principles, such as sponsoring a
study tour on policy for a delegation from Laos and funding
a disability advisor in Afghanistan for one year.
- A new ILO publication was published by headquarters and it
was displayed. It is guidelines for drafting employment promotion
legislation.
- It was noted that Fiji ratified ILO Convention 159 and that
Cambodia, Thailand and Sri Lanka Ministers of Labour have expressed
interest in doing so as well. A national meeting on C. 159 was
held in Sri Lanka in February.
- FAO: Mr Wim Polman from the FAO noted a project in Sri Lanka
that is building on established experiences in Thailand and
that the FAO is planning a new wood project in Cambodia. A Korean
project is also focusing on mushroom-growing for farmers.
- Philippines: Ms Catalina L. Fermin noted that the Philippines
developed a national plan of action in response to the BMF and
will conduct a biennial assessment. She also noted ICT training
that is being undertaken and described a national congress on
women with disabilities.
- Hong Kong, China: Ms Deborah Wan reported on many activities
in Hong Kong, China include grants fro organizations that employment
people with disabilities. More than 30 project have been funded
that engage people with disabilities in community-based work
such as car washing groups and restaurants. She noted the growing
interest in social enterprises as a means to reduce welfare
dependency and increase self-reliance. Mr Philip Chi-Hoi Yuen
noted that disabled persons can be hired to Disneyland which
will open shortly in Hong Kong, China. He also reported a conference
held in March by people with mental illness. It was highly successful
and attended by 300 delegates.
- 21. Bangladesh: Ms Lima Dewan noted BRAC activities in ICT
training that is resulting in job.
- For trainees and the desire to start a poultry farm.
- 22. Sri Lanka: Megamali Aluwihare from the Employers’
Federation further described the network on disability and noted
that several trainings are underway, e.g. on job seeking skills
and English-language training for disabled persons. She noted
that rural areas are now being targeted and that a breakfast
meeting with the CEOs will be organized to disseminate the information
on the business case of hiring disabled persons.
- 23. Cambodia: Mr Ngy San from the Disability Action Council
(DAC) noted that the Cambodian Government is committed to the
activities laid down in the BMF and its targets have been incorporated
into the government's five-year plan. A national forum will
be held in August.
- 24. India: The Government is concentrating on three areas:
Rights of people with disabilities, accessibility, and developing
service centres across the country to provide localized services.
Each state has a “disability-friendly” building,
which serves as an example of how to achieve accessibility.
- 25. Eden Social Welfare Foundation: Emma Lee noted that her
organization has initiated discussions with a gas station chain
to employ people with disabilities in shops. She also noted
the international conference held in Taiwan Province of China
last May on accessible tourism, noting that the tourism industry
presents many opportunities for the employment of people with
disabilities.
- Indonesia: Mr Robinson W. Saragih noted that eight programmes
have been developed in response to the Decade. He also noted
that in response to the tsunami disaster that many new buildings
will be made accessible.
- Debra noted several old business issues that had not been
addressed, in particular issue that had been raised in prior
meeting to consider the BMF call for government to be model
employers and a desire to discuss micro-credit programmes.
- A discussion ensued about how to take up these and other
issues at future meetings. It was suggested that an educational
session be incorporated into future meetings. Mr Wim Polman
was called upon to bring the International Cooperative Alliance
or the Asian Confederation of Asian Credit Unions to a future
meeting. Deborah Wan offered to conduct a presentation or even
a workshop on social enterprises. No December meeting is scheduled,
however. The next TWG meeting is not scheduled until June 2006,
which will be the scheduled date for the next Multinational
Corporation Roundtable as well.
- The meeting closed at 1:00 PM.
Attendance Sheet, 7th July
Employment
| |
Name |
Organization |
| 1. |
Jason McKey |
ACROD |
| 2. |
Bryan Woodford |
ACROD |
| 3. |
Anne Holopainen
|
ILO |
| 4. |
Catalina L.Fermin
|
NCWDP, Philippines |
| 5. |
Aiko Akiyama
|
UNESCAP |
| 6. |
Le Hai Anh
|
American Chamber of Commerce Project Vietnam |
| 7. |
Aki Fujiwara |
Handicap International |
| 8. |
Shushira Chanhenchob |
Handicap International |
| 9. |
Alanna Clohesy |
People with Disability Australia |
| 10. |
Heidi Forrest |
People with Disability Australia |
| 11. |
Lim Puay Tiak |
NCSS, Singapore |
| 12. |
Seila Hort |
VIC |
| 13. |
Ngy San |
Disability Action Council |
| 14. |
Meghamali Aliwihare |
Employers Federation of Ceylon |
| 15. |
Philip Yuen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 16. |
Deborah Wan |
New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association |
| 17. |
Fung Wai Ying |
Emily Chosen Power |
| 18. |
Rahamah Binti Hj. Mohd Baki |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 19. |
Norani Hashim |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 20. |
Limia Dewan |
BRAC |
| 21. |
Moses Choo Siew Cheong |
National Council for the Blind |
| 22. |
Chad Conlin |
NGO Forum, Cambodia |
| 23. |
Ming-Hui Shiao |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 24. |
Emma Lee |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 25. |
Chapal Khasnabis |
WHO |
| 26. |
Peter Coleridge |
ILO Consultant |
| 27. |
Lieng Sheau Yea |
Bizlink Centre Singapore |
| 28. |
Themis Chan |
Selective Placement Division, HKSAR |
| 29. |
Nareewan Chintaka |
FAPCD |
| 30. |
Etsuko Ueno |
APCD |
| 31. |
Misako Arai |
JSRPD |
| 32. |
Joseph Kwok |
Rehabilitation International |
| 33. |
Mridul Jain |
Ministry of Social Justice, India |
| 34. |
Long Ly |
NCDP |
| 35. |
Claire Perrin-Houdon |
Handicap International |
| 36. |
William G. Brohier |
CBM & ICEVI |
| 37. |
Wim Polman |
UNFAO, Bangkok |
| 38. |
Phoranee Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired |
| 39. |
Anita Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired |
| 40. |
Jayamanne |
M.D.C. Ministry of Social Welfare, Sri Lanka |
| 41. |
Mary Scott |
Cambodia Trust |
| 42. |
Savina Daulaasi |
Disabled Peoples' Association of Solomon Islands |
| 43. |
Melody K. Sade |
Disabled Peoples' Association of Solomon Islands |
ANNEX II (c)
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
7 JULY 2005, BANGKOK
Draft Minutes
- OPENING
The TWGDC ICT Task Force was chaired by Mr. Monthian Buntan.
- SELF-INTRODUCTION BY ALL PARTICIPANTS
- ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting was adopted.
- DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF THE MEETING AGENDA
The minutes of the meeting agenda was adopted.
- REPORTS OF THE CURRENT SITUATION AND PROGRESS
(a) From the Chairperson
With regard to the UN Asian Tsunami Disaster on 26 December 2004
and the United Nations sponsored meeting on The World Conference
on Disaster Reduction held in Kobe, Japan in January 2005, several
ICT for persons with disability professions joined this meeting.
An accessible warning system was discussed and voiced in this
meeting.
Brief report of the 5th Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive
and Integral International Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
(24 January – 4 February 2005) was made and copies of
the draft article 13: Freedom to Expression and Opinion, and
Access to Information, which involves information and communication
technology accessibility for persons with disabilities, were
shared.
Report of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Phase II, III Preparatory Committee meeting (17-27 February
2005 in Geneva, Switzerland) was made to prepare for the Phase
II, III meeting, to be held in Geneva in September 2005. More
information of the meeting could be obtained from the Civil
Society Bureau, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
(www.itu.int)
Brief report of the UNESCAP/ICSTD Sub-regional Conference on
Follow-up to the 1st Phase and Preparation for the 2nd Phase
of the WSIS was made. At the Conference, the development of
the Asia-Pacific Region Roadmap on ICT was discussed and the
concept of information accessibility & Universal Design
were introduced. The next meeting will be held in September,
2005.
The Chairperson attended the Asia-Pacific Region Telecom Summit
hosted by ITU held in Bangkok, Thailand.
A seminar on ubiquitous network was hosted by ITU and the Government
of Japan.
For the situation in Thailand, a new accessibility standard
is in the pending status for the Government Support proposed
by the working group committee under the Rehabilitation Committee
and more suggestions on the ICT accessibility terminology. NECTEC
adopt the proposal and submit to the cabinet the establishment
of the Institute of Universal Design and Assistive Device Technology.
(b) From the participants
Ms Lasapan Toomsawasdi, APCD reported the progress of information
support and the development of ICT for Persons with Disabilities
implemented by the Center. Ms Nantanoot Suwannawut reported
on the ICT for Visual Impaired Persons/for All hosted by APCD.
(For further details please visit http://www.apcdproject.org/publications/newsletter10/vip.html
and
http://www.apcdproject.org/publications/newsletter11/daisy.html
Mr Joseph Kwok mentioned about the WSIS thematic working group
on “multistakeholders” held by the Government of
Korea and ITU. Discussions and concerns were focused on digital
divide and range of communication devices and how resources
will be delivered information centers in the rural area. The
Government of Korea supports information technology index, while
consultant insert indicators of telephone users, broadband line,
and the ICT infrastructure. The Digital Divide has also stated
to hold up substantial population.
The Korea Agency on Digital Opportunity & Promotion (KADO),
a specialized government subsidiary organization providing comprehensive
support for digital divide closure was introduced to the Task
Force on their involvement on mainstreaming. It was suggested
that the ICT Task Force should contact KADO in related to the
promotion of ICT friendly-user and community-based approach
to support the BMF in engaging proactive organization in digital
divide to be involved in the review and to be more concern in
ICT for persons with disabilities.
Mr William G. Brohier, Christoffel-Blindenmission, announced
the 4th International Conference on Information Technology in
Asia, 2005, which will be held from 12-15 December 2005 in Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia hosted by the University of Malaysia, Sarawak.
(For further information please visit http://www.cita05.org)
The Thailand Association of the Blind will be providing a telephone
base DAISY playback service, which will be install to allow
persons with print disability to dial with touch tone and to
navigate the DAISY. This will be open source software around
the nation and to all persons with disabilities collaborating
with the ASEAN TELSOM free of charge. In addition to this, TAB
established a radio channel, 98.25 FM, which will also be broadcasted
on the organization’s website for 1 year providing disability-related
news.
(c) Follow-ups from the previous Meeting
Update on WSIS and Potential Contribution to Persons with Disabilities
Chairperson: The major topic for Phase II, which will be held
from 17-19 December 2005 in Tunis has not been concluded. Disability
communication and the concept of ICT accessibility were proposed
in Phase I to be included in the Declaration. Phase II’s
tentative issues will focus on internet governance, digital
solidarity fund, cyber security, and the needs to popularize
the disability. A Global Forum sponsored by ITU, Government
of Switzerland, DAISY, International Disability Alliance will
be held from 16-18 December 2005, which the conclusion will
be presented to the WSIS Phase II on the 17 December roundtable
meeting facilitated by the Chairperson. All documents will be
circulated to state leaders expecting more participation from
developing countries in the region.
Ubiquitous Network presents the theme of “Working anywhere
anytime with anyone”
Mr Joseph Kwok: The WSIS Phase II in Tunis will give concerns
on “Digital Divide” with persons with disabilities
adding the issues on “collaboration” with business
in the field of ICT to promote the importance and awareness
of persons with disabilities in the ICT area through the organizations’
own training course
Chairperson: Added to Mr. Joseph Kwok that IBM engages in disability
issues. Digital Divide costs in the accessibility in the technology.
The economic hardship and inaccessibility causing more people
to get more involve into digital divide.
Discussion on How to Promote Implementation of ICT Accessibility
following the BMF
Chairperson: Entering into the 4th year of the BMF, many targets
are still struggling on how to be implemented. A survey may
be necessary to follow-up the implementations of Target Area:
“Access to Information and Communications, including,
information, communication and assistive technologies, which
one proposal is to be presented at this Task Force meeting.
An accessibility guideline was passed in 2003 but not mandate
or regulated in any Government legislation. For target 19 (Governments
should develop and coordinate a standardized sign language,
finger Braille (tactile sign language), in each country and
disseminate and teach the results through all means, i.e. publications,
CD-ROMs, etc.), many nations have developed their national sign
language. As for Target 20 (Governments should establish a system
in each country to train and dispatch sign language interpreters,
Braille transcribers, finger Braille interpreters, and human
readers and to encourage their productive employment.)
Mr Khandaker Jahurul Alam from Bangladesh, reported that the
Bangla sign language and Braille have been developed.
Mr Moses from Malaysia reported that Malaysia has endorsed
and launched a Braille book. However, sign language used is
still considered to be unofficial sign language known as Q-speech
to get local sound recognized.
Ms Catalina L. Fermin from the Philippines reported that the
Philippines is making progress on the BMF framework developing
sign language, which a workshop was held last month by one organization
for the hearing impairment. Sign language used basis on the
American Sign Language. In December, 2004, and June, 2005, Mr.
Leo Valdez provided training for webmasters and planning to
further continue ICT trainings for persons with disabilities
in all provinces.
Chairperson reported that Thailand has been successful in converting
text into speech however more development is needed for speech
recognition and web accessibility. The standards and know-hows
are out there but no implementation. Many website in the region
are still considered to be inaccessible.
Mr Moses from Malaysia added that a Malaysian company along
with engineers from Hong Kong are developing speech texts in
Malay and Mandarin and further developing Malay local text-speech
use for telephone applications.
Chairperson suggested that a Regional Hub of the development
should be formulated since many current attempts are concentrated
in EU language.
Proposal Monitoring Survey of the BMF Priority Area 6 by Japanese
Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (JSRPD)
(Annex)
1. Representative of JSRPD proposed the Survey of Access
to Information and Communication the aim, process, organization
for operation, development of database, and analysis. However,
JSRPD would facilitate the development of the database and
the analysis part since JSRPD may not be able to cover all
the funding of the whole tasks.
2. Chairperson appreciated JSRPD to take action in this task.
3. Mr Joseph Kwok appreciated JSRPD proposal and suggested
that the design of the survey is very important especially
to fit into the digital target automatically process by computer.
Regarding to this, he suggested the TWGDC to help design the
survey and may be sent out by the UNESCAP.
4. Chairperson suggested to bring the proposal for approval
to the TWGDC plenary and to be a supplementary to the main
survey of UNESCAP. In principle the ICT Task Force approves
this proposal by JSRPD to analysis collaborating with UNESCAP
and APCD.
Further Recommendations of the ICT Accessibility from the 5th
Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral
International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the
Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
Chairperson shared this report in the Chairperson’s Report
referring to Draft Article 13.
(For further details please visit: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ahc5reporte.htm.)
(d) Situation of the ICT Accessibility Standard at
the International Level
(e) Others:
Chairperson: From the Asian Tsunami Disaster teaches a long
lesson, in the term of ICT accessibility for the Preparedness
of the Natural Disaster.
Adjourn
Attendance Sheet, 7th July
ICT
| |
Name |
Organization |
| 1. |
Alanna Clohesy |
People with Disability Australia |
| 2. |
Nantanoot Suwannawoot |
APCD |
| 3. |
Lasapan Toomsawasdi |
APCD |
| 4. |
Patcharamont Phanthong |
APCD |
| 5. |
Etsuko Ueno |
APDF |
| 6. |
Hyunjoo Youn |
UNESCO |
| 7. |
Lim Puay Tiak |
NCSS, Singapore |
| 8. |
Emma Lee |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 9. |
Ming-Hui Shiao |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 10. |
Philip Yuen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 11. |
Robinson Saragih |
Ministry of Social Affairs, Indonesia |
| 12. |
Catalina L.Fermin |
NCWDP, Philippines |
| 13. |
Norani Hashim |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 14. |
William G. Brohier |
CBM & ICEVI |
| 15. |
Khandaker Jahunul Alan |
NFOWD, Bangladesh |
| 16. |
Moses Choo Siew Cheong |
National Council for the Blind |
| 17. |
Joseph Kwok |
RI/ APDF |
| 18. |
Phoranee Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired |
| 19. |
Misako Arai |
JSRPD |
ANNEX II (d)
WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES (WWD)
7 JULY 2005, BANGKOK
Draft Minutes
- WELCOME AND SELF-INTRODUCTION
The Task Force on women with disability was chaired by Ms Farida
Yesmin from Bangladesh
- ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES AND THE PROVISIONAL AGENDA
The Minutes of the previous meeting was adopted.
1. Welcome and Self-introduction.
2. Adoption of meeting Minutes and the provisional agenda.
3. Report from different participants.
4. Discussion on the BMF implementation
- REPORTS FROM PARTICIPANTS
Ms Chiharu Kondo of the UNICEF briefed on its project on
promoting girls education, entitled “United Nations
Girls’ Education Initiatives (UNGEI)”. The Task
Force recommended that UNGEI incorporate girls with disabilities
as its targets because the initiatives currently do not seem
to do so. The Task Force also recommended that girls with
disabilities be strategically incorporated in other UNICEF
projects, and data on girls with disabilities be collected.
The Task Force also decided to formulate recommendations for
the forthcoming UNICEF meeting to be held in Paris, France.
It was also noted that the national programme should be prepared
concerning the Article 25 of the Convention on the Rights
of Child (CRC).
Ms Heidi Forrest from Australia reported that she had attended
previous sessions of the Ad Hoc Committee on the proposed
international convention on disability, and said that issues
of women with disabilities had obtained enough attention from
member states. She also informed, in Australia, issues of
women with disabilities were not adequately addressed by mainstream
gender movement, probably owing to the fact that NGOs on monitoring
the Beijing Platform for Action do not properly integrate
them. It was also recommended that the issues of women with
disabilities be included in the draft UN convention as a separate
and an independent article.
- DISCUSSION ON THE BMF IMPLEMENTATION
Chairperson briefed on recent Bangladesh development on mainstreaming
disabled women’s issues in development activities both
in disability and women. First of all, projects on anti-discrimination
of women with disabilities (relating to the target #4 of the
BMF) were implemented.
Secondly, the National Forum of Organizations Working with
the Disabled (NFOWD) and Disabled Rehabilitation & Research
Association (DRRA) are actively encouraging disabled women’s
development and their equal rights. Ms Penny Price of the Rehabilitation
International reported that in Fiji, she had witnessed improvement
on inclusion of women with disabilities in national women’s
organizations. This relates to the BMF target #5.
Thirdly, the National Women Alliance Day Observation Committee
organized a commemorative programme on the International Women’s
Day, 8 March 2005 with full participation of women with disabilities.
As for considering mainstreaming of women with disabilities
at the regional level, it was also decided that an official
letter should be sent to Ms. Thelma Kay, Director of Emerging
Social Issues Division of UNESCAP with recommendations that
women with disabilities issues should be included in Thematic
Working Group on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality,
organized by the Gender and Development Section of the Emerging
Social Issues Division.
It was reported that Disability Discrimination Ordinance was
enacted and has been enforced since 1995 in Hong Kong, China,
and this covers women with disabilities. Therefore, the BMF
target #3 which encouraged establishment of anti-discrimination
measure on women with disabilities, was already achieved in
Hong Kong, China.
The meeting was adjourned.
Attendance Sheet,7th July
Women with Disabilities/ Self-Help Organizations
| |
Name |
Organization |
| 1. |
Fung Wai Ying |
Emily Chosen Power |
| 2. |
Junko Homma |
DPI-AP |
| 3. |
Mary Scott |
Cambodia Trust |
| 4. |
Savina Daulaasi |
Disabled Peoples' Association of Solomon Islands |
| 5. |
Jayamanne |
M.D.C. Ministry of Social Welfare, Sri Lanka |
| 6. |
Nipatta Quamman |
Handicap International |
| 7. |
Seila Hort |
Veterans International Cambodia |
| 8. |
Nareewan Chintaka |
FAPCD |
| 9. |
Melody K. Sade |
DPASI |
| 10. |
Penelope Price |
Rehabilitation International |
| 11. |
Tsou Sheng Seen Helen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 12. |
Yuki Suzuki |
DPI-AP |
| 13. |
Rahamah Binti Hj. Mohd Baki |
Department of Social Welfare, Bangi Industrial Training
and Rehabilitation Centre, Malaysia |
| 14. |
Chiharu Kondo |
UNICEF |
| 15. |
Heidi Forrest |
People with Disability Australia |
| 16. |
Farida Yesmin |
DRRA |
| 17. |
Topong Kulkhanchit |
DPI-AP |
| 18. |
Hyunjoo Youn |
UNESCO |
| 19. |
J.B. Munro |
Inclusion International |
ANNEX II (e)
PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
7 JULY 2005, BANGKOK
Draft Minutes
- OPENING
Thirty-two individuals participated in the TF meeting.
- INTRODUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS
The meeting was chaired by Mr Monthien Buntan and Ms Aiko
Akiyama.
- III. THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING AND THE FOLLOWING
PROVISIONAL AGENDA WERE ADOPTED
Provisional Agenda
- Opening.
- Introduction of participants.
- Adoption of minutes of the previous meeting.
- Reports on relevant activities to date:
4.1 From the chairperson;
4.2 From participants.
- Discussion.
- Closing.
- REPORTS ON RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
UNESCAP secretariat briefed on two forthcoming ESCAP meetings
about the international convention; namely, a Workshop on Regional
Follow-up to the Fifth Session and Preparation for the Sixth
Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Convention
on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of
Persons with Disabilities (to be held 26-27 July 2005, Bangkok)
covering five provisional agenda including disability-inclusive
international cooperation, and a side event during a coffee
break on 11 August 2005 about international cooperation at the
Sixth Session. Participants for the side event include Japanese
and Thai Government delegates and members of leading international
NGOs.
Mr Monthian Buntan briefed on the progress made since the Fifth
Session of the Ad Hoc Committee (held 24 January to 4 February
2005):
From the Chairperson
By the end of the Fifth Session, the articles from 7 to 15
have been negotiated.
The second reading for the articles from 16 to 25 has not taken
place, and is likely to be skipped over to the informal consultation
during the Sixth Session;
There is growing uncertainty over issues such as the following:
- Ambassador H.E. Mr Gallegos is no longer chairing the Ad
Hoc Session. Ambassador H.E. Mr Mackey (NZ) will coordinate
the Sixth Session. But his roles remain unclear.
- Ongoing UN structural reform might have impacts on the process.
- The timing of completion of the drafting process. NGOs and
developing countries want it as soon as possible; some developed
countries anticipate that it might take three to five years.
Contentious issues include:
- Previously contentious issues such disability-inclusive international
cooperation and establishment of monitoring mechanism are gaining
more support.
- New rights such as legal capacity, forced institutionalization
and intervention are contentious.
- Sectoral contentious issues such as special education vs
specialized/separate education, health vs rehabilitation, involvement
of family from human rights perspective and rights of special
groups, particularly, women with disabilities. A separate article
of rights of women with disabilities proposed by ROK is acceptable.
- Politically motivated contentious issues such as right to
life and rights of persons with disabilities under armed conflict
and occupied territories.
From participants
The participants shared national level efforts concerning the
international convention:
- In collaboration with UNESCAP, the first national workshop
on the international convention was organized by the National
Forum of NGOs for Persons with Disabilities in February 2005
under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Welfare. As a follow-up
to the workshop, the NGO Forum has been negotiating with the
Prime Minister’s office. And a delegate from the Forum
will participate in the Sixth Session.
- Some Governments such as Australia, the Philippines, and
Thailand are conducting preparatory forums for the Six Session.
Thailand is in the process of drafting an anti-discrimination
law on disability, parallel to the international process towards
the convention. Australia can be recognized as a country with
good practice in which civil society experts pressure and has
influenced the Government’s policy and attitude towards
the convention.
Attendance Sheet,7th July
International Convention
| |
Name |
Organization |
| 1. |
Heidi Forrest |
People with Disability Australia |
| 2. |
Alanna Clohesy |
People with Disability Australia |
| 3. |
Hyunjoo Youn |
UNESCO |
| 4. |
Tsou Sheng Seen Helen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 5. |
Fung Wai Ying |
Emily Chosen Power |
| 6. |
Penelope Price |
Rehabilitation International |
| 7. |
Jayamanne |
M.D.C. Ministry of Social Welfare, Sri Lanka |
| 8. |
Nofovaleane Mapusua |
Inclusive International, Samoa |
| 9. |
Chapal Khasnabis |
WHO |
| 10. |
Lim Puay Tiak |
NCSS, Singapore |
| 11. |
Ming-Hui Shiao |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 12. |
Emma Lee |
Eden Social Welfare Foundation |
| 13. |
Philip Yuen |
Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled,
Hong Kong |
| 14. |
Robinson Saragih |
Ministry of Social Affairs, Indonesia |
| 15. |
Catalina L.Fermin |
NCWDP, Philippines |
| 16. |
Rahamah Binti Hj. Mohd Baki |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 17. |
Norani Hashim |
Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia |
| 18. |
William G. Brohier |
CBM & ICEVI |
| 19. |
Farida Yesmin |
DRRA |
| 20. |
Khandaker Jahunul Alan |
NFOWD, Bangladesh |
| 21. |
Seila Hort |
Veterans International Cambodia |
| 22. |
Melody K. Sade |
DPASI |
| 23. |
Savina Daulaasi |
Disabled Peoples' Association of Solomon Islands |
| 24. |
Mary Scott |
Cambodia Trust |
| 25. |
Bishnum Dhunghana |
AIT |
| 26. |
Etsuko Ueno |
APDF |
| 27. |
Misako Arai |
JSRPD |
| 28. |
Joseph Kwok |
Rehabilitation International |
| 29. |
J.B. Munro |
Inclusive International, Asia Pacific region |
| 30. |
Phoranee Louineau |
Parents' Association of the Intellectually Impaired
|
|
|
