Report on the Western Regional Workshop on Disability
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC organized a Two Day Western Regional Workshop on Disability beginning from 4th September, 2008. It was organized in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, MSHRC and ILS Law College Pune. The workshop aimed at taking inputs from all the other stakeholders of the western region of India on the subject of People With Disabilities, PWDs. Focus was mainly on their education, employment, and minimizing their dependency through preventive measures.
Addressing the inaugural function, Mr Justice S. Rajendra Babu, Chairperson, NHRC said, the Commission is committed to ensure and focus on proper and effective implementation of UN conventions and the existing legislations dealing with rights of PWDs. He also highlighted the role of NHRC under Article 33 of the present convention to be a focal point in transforming the legal system of India in this regard. He said, the subject of PWDs should be approached from human rights perspective. They are entitled to enjoy the full range of internationally and nationally guaranteed rights and freedom.
Mr. Justice K.R Vyas, Chairperson, MSHRC, in his remarks focused on development of appropriate strategies to deal with the issues of disabled persons. He said, suitable jobs, various scheme benefits and reservation policies do not effectively reach the disabled and they are left with all odds to live their life. Justice Vyas said, often the child with disability is discriminated against a normal child which is not true to the spirit of fundamental human rights. He said, the problem starts from admission to school where the school authorities are reluctant to admit a disabled child. It has been observed that often the school and teachers do not pay attention to the special needs of the disabled child. He also stated that enacting laws with laudable objects to achieve purpose of disabled persons is not enough or sufficient. Equally it is important to see whether they are being implemented in letter and spirit or not.
Mr. P.C Sharma, Member, NHRC, Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary, NHRC, President, Indian Law Society, Adv Raosahib Shinde and Principal ILS Law College were also present the inaugural at function.
This was the third Workshop in the series specially held for the western region to review schemes, laws and policies relating to disabled persons. The participants in the workshop were the Chairpersons and the Members of the National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commission. Representatives of Government departments including Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Representatives of NGO's working in the area of protection of human rights of disabled and ILS law college students and faculty also participated in the discussions.
In the four technical sessions during the Workshop on Disability, the issues of Education, Employment, Access and Services, Preventive measures were deliberated upon.
Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary, NHRC read out the draft recommendations and suggestions on different themes discussed during the Workshop which were finalized in the Vth session chaired by Mr. P.C. Sharma, Member NHRC. He congratulated all states for giving good programmes and schemes but said, these should be implemented with high level of sensitivity. The surveys conducted must be more detailed and must be updated regularly. Mr. Sharma said, there should be monitoring at all levels of implementation. Mr. Sharma also said, the media must project the problems of disabled persons and further help by supporting and promoting the various issues relating to them. The police force should be given to practical suggestions to help disabled persons. The potential of the disabled should be developed for the betterment of the society. Principal Vaijayanti Joshi concluded the session by proposing vote of thanks.
Addressing the inaugural function, Mr Justice S. Rajendra Babu, Chairperson, NHRC said, the Commission is committed to ensure and focus on proper and effective implementation of UN conventions and the existing legislations dealing with rights of PWDs. He also highlighted the role of NHRC under Article 33 of the present convention to be a focal point in transforming the legal system of India in this regard. He said, the subject of PWDs should be approached from human rights perspective. They are entitled to enjoy the full range of internationally and nationally guaranteed rights and freedom.
Mr. Justice K.R Vyas, Chairperson, MSHRC, in his remarks focused on development of appropriate strategies to deal with the issues of disabled persons. He said, suitable jobs, various scheme benefits and reservation policies do not effectively reach the disabled and they are left with all odds to live their life. Justice Vyas said, often the child with disability is discriminated against a normal child which is not true to the spirit of fundamental human rights. He said, the problem starts from admission to school where the school authorities are reluctant to admit a disabled child. It has been observed that often the school and teachers do not pay attention to the special needs of the disabled child. He also stated that enacting laws with laudable objects to achieve purpose of disabled persons is not enough or sufficient. Equally it is important to see whether they are being implemented in letter and spirit or not.
Mr. P.C Sharma, Member, NHRC, Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary, NHRC, President, Indian Law Society, Adv Raosahib Shinde and Principal ILS Law College were also present the inaugural at function.
This was the third Workshop in the series specially held for the western region to review schemes, laws and policies relating to disabled persons. The participants in the workshop were the Chairpersons and the Members of the National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commission. Representatives of Government departments including Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Representatives of NGO's working in the area of protection of human rights of disabled and ILS law college students and faculty also participated in the discussions.
In the four technical sessions during the Workshop on Disability, the issues of Education, Employment, Access and Services, Preventive measures were deliberated upon.
Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary, NHRC read out the draft recommendations and suggestions on different themes discussed during the Workshop which were finalized in the Vth session chaired by Mr. P.C. Sharma, Member NHRC. He congratulated all states for giving good programmes and schemes but said, these should be implemented with high level of sensitivity. The surveys conducted must be more detailed and must be updated regularly. Mr. Sharma said, there should be monitoring at all levels of implementation. Mr. Sharma also said, the media must project the problems of disabled persons and further help by supporting and promoting the various issues relating to them. The police force should be given to practical suggestions to help disabled persons. The potential of the disabled should be developed for the betterment of the society. Principal Vaijayanti Joshi concluded the session by proposing vote of thanks.