4 December 2024
International Day of the Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), 2024 was observed at MICC-II here this morning, addressed by Chairman of National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win.
Also present were SAC members, union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, senior military officers from Office of Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, members of the national committee and work committees, representatives of international organizations, officials of Myanmar Federat ion of Persons with Disabilities, invited guests and officials.
In his speech, the Vice-Senior General said the 3rd of December was set as the International Day of the Persons with Disabilities to encourage support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and promote understanding of disability issues, and since 1992, the Day is being globally observed under the leadership of UN every year. Myanmar held the IDPD for the first time in 1994 and the present one is the 31st anniversary.
The theme for this year’s IDPD is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
Of the global population of 8,200 million, 16 percent or over 1,300 million are people with some kind of disability. Interim census shows that 12.8 percent or 5.9 million people of Myanmar’s population are PWD. Hence, not only the world, but also Myanmar has a high proportion of PWD.
The entire mankind must find practical solutions for the issues and challenges of the PWD — hardships, equal rights and cooperation. With sympathy, people should support the persons who have physical and mental disabilities to become able persons who can serve the interest of the world, despite their disability.
Hence, all must encourage PWD and enable them to take part in building an inclusive and sustainably developing human society. They must not be left behind. Based on their performance, PWD should be given in the leadership roles. Involvement of PWD will promote understanding of the diversity in society.
The Republic of Union of Myanmar signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 7 December 2011 and approved and promulgated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2015 in 2017. The country set up the National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and also formed the work committee and nine subcommittees to implement the policies and work programs adopted by the national committee.
In efforts to enhance the capabilities of people with disability, priority must be given to the education sector. A 2016 survey revealed that approximately 230,000 children with disabilities reside in the country, with two-thirds of them not attending school, and only 36 percent possessing basic literacy skills. As a result, it is crucial to focus more on education for people with disabilities in the future. Efforts are being made to ensure that people with disa bilities can access basic education, receive vocational training, and participate in inclusive curricula and practices. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to train special education teachers and provide necessary technologies and teaching aids, enabling people with disabilities to learn on an equal footing with others.
To create a barrier-free environment, public spaces and buildings must be made accessible to people with disabilities. Arrangements should also be made to allow people with disabilities to travel on public transportation. Additionally, there is a need to provide sign language and presentations in news programs. An award is presented annually during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemora tion ceremonies, recognizing efforts to ensure barrier-free travel for people with disability.
People with disabilities, like the general population, may not possess complete health, but they should be given opportunities to engage in activities that suit their functional abilities. By ensuring this, society can help reduce feelings of discouragement and inferiority among people with disability, empowering them to become capable individuals who can contribute to the world to the fullest extent of their abilities.
By participating in vocational activities, people with disabilities will gain both social and economic benefits, enabling them to live independently. It is crucial to recognize and accept that people with disabilities are capable individuals, and they should be included in organizations, particularly in positions where policies and decisions are made.
To achieve inclusive development for all people with disabilities, a disability classification and registration process is currently underway in 21 project townships. As of now, 5,937 individuals have been registered as disabled. It is essential to provide support and education to overcome negative attitudes and misconceptions surrounding people with disabilities.
In addition, people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters compared to the general population. As a result, it is crucial to address the specific needs of people with disability in disaster mitigation efforts. There is also a pressing need to expand the implementation of natural disaster drills and awareness programs that actively involve people with disability.
Cooperation between people with disabilities and organizations that provide services to them is crucial in delivering effective support. Additionally, it is essential to emphasize the need for working in compliance with the established laws, rules, and regulations.
In line with the motto of this year’s International Day of Per sons with Disabilities, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” he emphasized the importance of encouraging collaboration with individuals with disabilities. He stated that enhancing the leadership skills of people with disabilities, including them in leadership positions, and consi dering their perspectives and opinions are essential for helping them achieve their rights.
Later, Vice-Senior General Soe Win awarded medals, certificates of honor, and cash prizes to the first, second, and third place winners of the open division article contest held in com memoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Then, SAC member Admiral Tin Aung San presented awards and certificates of honor to the winners of the Basic Education Level Essay Competition, also SAC member Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented awards for barrierfree travel for the disabled. After that, Vice Chairman (1) of the National Committee Union Minister Dr. Soe Win presented awards and certificates of honor to students who participated in the Employment Opportunity Award and Essay Competition.
After that, a video message from the UN Secretary-General and a video recording commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities were shown. U Thein Han Thu, Vice Chairman (2) of the National Committee and President of the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities, delivered a speech of thanks.
Then, members of the Federa tion performed a wheelchair dance to the song “A Song for Unity.”
After that, children from Kyimyindine School for the Blind performed a dance to the song “Sail of Strength,” while children with disabilities from School the Deaf Children (Yangon) performed a dance to the song “Yay Ohh Yane.”
Then, the Vice-Senior General presented awards and cash prizes to those who performed.
Later, the Vice-Senior General posed for a group photo with the attendees of the ceremony and toured the display of books, handicrafts, and commemorative photo galleries related to people with disabilities.
