STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment of India Dr. Thaawarchand Gehlot headed the country’s delegation to attend the Inter-Governmental Mid-point Review Meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022 in Beijing from November 27 to December 1, 2017.
The meeting is being organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in cooperation with Government of China.
The main objective of the meeting is to review the progress made by the member States during the decade at the mid-point in 2017 with regard to Incheon Strategy ‘to make the right real’ for persons with disabilities in Asia and Pacific.
The Union Minister, while making India’s statement at the Mid-Point Review Meeting, stated that India is committed to the principle of unity in diversity and the goal of inclusive development encompassing all segments of society including persons with disabilities. He invoked provisions of Indian Constitution which guarantees freedom, justice and equality to all individuals.
He mentioned that India has enacted a new law namely ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’ in line with the provisions of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister of India has coined the word “Divyangjan”, i.e., “Persons with Divine Abilities” to address “Persons with Disabilities”. Use of the word “Divyangjan” aims at uplifting societal status, promoting non-discrimination and instilling a positive attitude about their lives and capabilities in the society.
In conclusion, the Indian Minister said that he is looking forward to finalisation of Beijing Declaration which will pave the way for better implementation to achieve empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
