Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia make the right real Flags: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Logos: Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh, South Asian Disability Forum (SADF), Bangladesh Prodibandi Kallyan Somity (BPKS), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), British Council, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Image: Participants Support Make the Right Real Campaign Image: Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia Backdrop Logos: Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh, South Asian Disability Forum (SADF), Bangladesh Prodibandi Kallyan Somity (BPKS), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), British Council, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia Organized by Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) Bangladesh Prodibandi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) British Council Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 21-22 September 2011 British Council and BPKS Complex, Dhaka, Bangladesh Printed by Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) 255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)2 354-7505 Fax: +66 (0)2 354-7507 Email: info@apcdfoundation.org Website: www.apcdfoundation.org This report is available in a text format for persons with visual impairments and blind persons Summary Report: 1 Keynote Speech by Chief Guest: 4 Speech by Special Guest: 7 Speech by the Guest of Honor: 9 Program: 11 Dhaka Recommendations to Make the Right Real: 14 Photos 18 What is “Make the Right Real”! The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched the “Make the Right Real” Campaign in October 2010 to accelerate the regional implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 21 of approximately 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have thus far ratified the Convention. The Campaign aims to promote more awareness and action on the Convention through collaboration among Governments, organizations of persons with disabilities and other stakeholders in advocacy, research and capacity-building activities. Already, national-level campaigns have been initiated in some countries. The Campaign website will be launched soon. We invite you to join us in the Campaign. Let us make the rights of persons with disabilities real! SADF in Brief South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) is an international network of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) in the South Asian region which will work as a disability think-tank comprising DPOs of eight countries throughout South Asia. To ensure full and equal inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the development process, dynamic and effective strategies for the promotion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in this region will be adopted by this international forum through developing a sub-regional mechanism and cooperation. All South Asian countries are introduced as developing countries and 24% of persons with disabilities out of total persons with disabilities in the world are living in the South Asian region. Two consecutive decades proclaimed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for the empowerment of persons with disabilities has nearly been culminated. A new decade is also going to be declared from 2013 to 2022. During the last two decades, a range of mechanisms have been adopted; amongst these, the mechanism of forming and strengthening DPOs is the best through which incorporation of persons with disabilities is being ensured at all (from decision-making to implementation) levels. In the midst of the second decade, the United Nations “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” or CRPD has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly which is an important paradigm shift to recognize the rights of persons with disabilities from the medical model to the right-based model. SADF emerged with its own view towards a new decade, aiming at full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream of development process, ensuring the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities in the spirit of CRPD. Empowerment of women with disabilities along with grass root DPOs and mainstreaming of persons with severe disabilities are the prioritized issues amongst the development strategies of SADF. SADF has given a foundation with vigorous efforts and prolong many years of effectual consultative results of South Asian dedicative leaders with disabilities. It is run by persons with disabilities; all SADF Executive Committee members are persons with disabilities as well as one-third of SADF Executive Committee members are women with disabilities. Vision: To mainstream disability towards an inclusive society for all in South Asia Mission: To promote and facilitate South Asian regional cooperation on disability-related concerns for the rights of persons with disabilities through strengthening and facilitating Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) network, grassroots leadership role with gender perspective to achieve alternative goal of inclusive society for all in South Asia. SADF is a federal body of enhancing DPOs equal representation in the mainstream part of the state and proactive participating forum of, for and by persons with disabilities working too actualize the aspirations and hopes of persons with disabilities, for all intents and purposes to enable them to serve as self-reliant and dynamic participants in all aspects of the state. The theme of the new decade is “Make the Right Real”. SADF has started its journey with determination and strong commitment to actualize this time required theme for persons with disabilities. Image: Participants at the SADF Workshop Summary Report The Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia was held on 21-22 September, 2011 British Council, Dhaka, Bangladesh was organized by the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF), the Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the British Council Bangladesh on 21-22 September 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) contributed to the Regional Conference for local arrangements. The Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia was inaugurated by the Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh. The Conference started with the recitation form Holy Quran. The welcome address given by Mr. Shirin Akther, newly elected Chairperson of the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF). “I felt great honored as I have been elected the Chairperson of the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) for the next term. This achievement is for not only me but also all women with disabilities in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries as the visually impaired woman was selected as the Chairperson of SADF”, she added. All the 8 counties in South Asia agreed to develop a forum which would be very effective in the future for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. “The British Council felt honored to be a part with this nice initiative”, said Ms. Jo Seaman, Business Development Manager, British Council South Asia Region in her opening remark. She informed that the British Council was engaged at the very initiative level in 2010 held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The Conference is as a result of the Islamabad recommendations in 2010. “The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) has been collaborating in 8 South Asian counties. APCD aims at empowering persons with disabilities on a basis of collaboration among persons with disabilities, government, the United Nations agencies, the business sector and other development agencies to promote an inclusive society for all”, told by Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, Chief Barista, APCD Empowerment Caf?, in his speech as a guest of honor. “The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the only regional governmental platform which can bring together counties in the Asia-Pacific region through dialogues. In the first Asia-Pacific Decade, it focused awareness-raising for advocacy on the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. A key highlight of the Second Decade came in 2006, with the adoption of the first disability-specific international human rights Convention. Bangladesh is one of the first Asia-Pacific countries who signed and ratified the Convention in 2007”, told Mr. Patrik Andersson, Chief of Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) by a guest of honor. “It is very difficult for the government alone to address all the issues and necessities. We are happy that lots of NGOs lead in this sector. These organizations contribute a lot and huge support for disability and development. BPKS is one of the leading organizations. This is the time to move forward together”, said by Md. Moshiur Rahman, Director General, Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh in his speech. H.E. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, Secretary in Charge, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh started his speech by saying “SADF is the forum which would be effective to raise the voice of persons with disabilities in favor of the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Government of Bangladesh is aware of disability issues. The prime minister is fully committed to work for persons with disabilities. A lot of initiative is now through the Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh in collaboration with other ministries for making something good for the needs of people in the country. The present Disability Act of Bangladesh is going to be revised soon. Now it is at the final stage. The Government of Bangladesh is going to implement a plan to identify persons with disabilities in the county by carrying out a survey of the needs of persons with disabilities. This Conference will provide us with more inputs from the South Asian perspective that we will be able to apply for the revision of the Disability Act. The Government of Bangladesh has increased the budget for the development of persons with disabilities”. “The Royal Thai government established APCD in 2002 in collaboration with the Government of Japan through JICA. APCD has been endorsed by the United Nations ESCAP as a regional cooperative for the empowerment of person with disabilities. Person with disabilities are the largest group who are living in discrimination and disadvantages all over the world. Many of children with disabilities in the developing counties cannot go to school fully. It is estimated that 30% of the world street children live with disabilities. Women with disabilities are the key for disability and development in South Asia”, told H.E. Tasanawadee Miancharoen, Ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy in Bangladesh in her speech as a special guest. Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Culture Affairs of Bangladesh mentioned that “Stephen Hawking, the world reported scientist is with severe disabilities. His disability could not prevent him from being a scientist. He has a good family life. Most of persons with disabilities are very intelligent. I have seen many persons with disabilities who are so intelligent, so hardworking, and also so enthusiastic. The Constitution of Bangladesh under the article 27 and 28 ensures equal rights of all citizens. The Government of Bangladesh is committed to ensure equal rights of all citizens. The newly formed SADF must work with the commitment for the empowerment of persons with disabilities in South Asia.” “As we all understand, the status of persons with disabilities was traditionally low. However, by minute, by hour, by day, we are getting more recognized. Why? Because of our powerful leadership, our powerful initiative, and our powerful work”, told in his speech by Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal, Founder and Executive Director, BPKS. With the theme “Make the Right Real”, the Conference discussed dimensions of inclusive society and formulated the recommendations for the effective implementation of policies relating to disability in South Asia. The followings were major outcomes of the Conference: - The “Dhaka Recommendations to Make the Right Real for Persons with Disabilities in South Asia” was adopted. - The establishment of South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) was supported by organizers with its plan to organize the next conference in Nepal in 2013. - Participants expressed their support to the proposal of a new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022. More than 100 Delegates at the Conference Signatures Supporting the “Make the Right Real” In the closing ceremony on 22 September 2011 was presided over by Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal (Executive Director of BPKS). Mr. Gazi Md. Nurul Kabir (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh / Managing Director, National Foundation for the Development of Disabled People), Mr. Akiie Ninomiya (Executive Director, APCD), Mr. Shigeki Furuta (Senior Representative, JICA Bangladesh) were present as Special Guest. Mr. Prodip Ranjan Chakrabarti, Director (Administration, National Foundation for the Development of Disabled People) also present at the closing session. Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal expressed his thanks to the Government of Bangladesh, United Nations ESCAP, APCD, JICA, British Council and the master minds of SADF for their unconditional efforts to the Conference. Prepared by Md. Alamin Shovan Mohd. Nazmul Kabir Logo: Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs Keynote Speech by Chief Guest Mr. Abul Kalam Azad Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs The chairperson of today’s opening ceremony and Founder & Executive Director of Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal, Special Guests: Mr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, Secretary in charge, Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Moshiur Rahman, Director General, Department of social Services, Mr. Sture Patrik Andersson, Chief of Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, Executive Director, Asia-pacific Development Center on Disability, Mr. Takao Toda, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency Bangladesh, Ms. Shirin Akther, Chairperson, South Asian Disability Forum, and Ms. Rosemary Arnott, Director, British Council Bangladesh, Leaders and representatives of Disabled Peoples’ Organizations of home and abroad and other development organizations, Distinguished Guests, ladies & Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum and Very Good Morning to you all. I am happy to be here today at the opening ceremony of the ‘Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia. I would like to thank the organizer, South Asian Disability Forum, for their initiatives and its associate partners-Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Asia-pacific Development Center on Disability, the Japan International Cooperation Agency Bangladesh and the British Council Bangladesh. I would also like to appreciate Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity, the local partner of the conference for their involvement in the movement of disabled people. The theme of today’s conference is “Make the Right Real” which reminds us of keep our commitment to the disabled people. I hope, this conference will facilitate to strengthen the partnership of persons with disabilities and Disabled people’s Organizations within South Asia, and with stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific. Ladies and Gentlemen, It is necessary to create social and legal framework to mitigate sufferings of the challenged people, especially the women with disabilities, to protect their rights and promote their causes. We must recognize that the disabled need not just food, education and shelter, but to be recognized as persons along with greater attention of the society. We should call upon all to work in cooperation with one another so that as a region we can develop scientifically sound practices, which are socially applicable and economically feasible. There should be partnership in south Asia so that the disabled persons could have and easy access to services on affordable expenses. We should find out ways to overcome barriers to healthcare, rehabilitation, education, employment, and support services, and to create the environment which will enable people with disabilities to flourish. I like to mention about the world reputed Scientist Stephen W Hawking Who had motor neuron disease for all his adult life. But it couldn’t prevent him from having a prominent career in astrophysics and a happy family life. To achieve the long-lasting better development prospects of the Millennium Development Goals and beyond, we must empower people living with disabilities and remove their barriers which prevent them participating in their communities, getting a quality education, finding decent work and proper information along with having their voices heard. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Constitution of Bangladesh ensures equal rights of all citizens. The government under the prudent leadership of Honb’le Minister Sheikh Hasina is firmly committed to addressing the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. The Prime Minister and her daughter the internationally reputed Autism expert, Saima Hossain, have a keen interest for the development of people with disabilities. For their initiatives the first ever international conference on Autism in the region was held on last July in Dhaka with hope of generating greater awareness on the plight of the “gifted children”. The Prime Minister also has urged entrepreneurs to recruit physically-challenged people in their organizations. I like to mention about the success of our physically challenged cricketers in the Specialized Olympic Games who have been the Champions in cricket in the tournament. For welfare of handicapped people, the government has planned to build a full-fledged complex for disabled people in Dhaka. The National Disable Foundation is also implementing development projects to turn these physically or mentally challenged persons into national resources. The Ministry of Social Welfare is planning and implementing programs for the protection, care, education, training and rehabilitations of persons with disabilities. The government also carried out the 5th Population and Housing Census with a new approach to identify the total number of physically challenged people which will help it with better planning as well as strengthen our advocacy programme of work. Ladies and Gentlemen, The government is taking necessary steps to make the Information Technology suitable to the disabled people to include them in process of building Digital Bangladesh by 2021. We know that mass media could play the most vital role in establishing the equal rights of the people with disability as ensured by the concerned UN Chapter. Our media is playing an active role in this regard. Now a days, sigh language is being used in electronic media and Right to Information Act 2009 has been introduced which will, of course, help our people with disabilities to get information of their choice. Ladies and Gentlemen, the governments, civil society and disabled people’s organizations of the South Asian region should work together for creating enabling environments, develop rehabilitation and support services, ensure adequate social protection, create inclusive policies and programmes, and ensure new and existing standards and legislation, to benefit of people with disabilities and wider community. Our driving vision is of an inclusive world in which we are all able to live a life of comfort and dignity. Hopefully, today’s conference would reinforce our understanding of disability as human right and development priority. Ladies and Gentlemen, Bangladesh through its path-breaking innovations in micro-finance, education, women’s empowerment and health is running towards the fulfillment of Vison-2021. We are working to build Sonar Bangla of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We also want to have regional cooperation for making a world where all, also the persons with disabilities, get equal chance to shine. Lastly I wish you all the best and all-out success of the conference titled “Regional leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia”. Special thanks to the delegates from South Asian countries. Thank you for your time. Khoda Hafez. Joy Bangla Joy Bangabandhu May Bangladesh Live Forever. May the world be equally habitable to all. Logo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, APCD Speech by Special Guest Her Excellency Madam Tasanawadee Miancharoen Ambassador, The Royal Thai Embassy in Bangladesh Honorable Minister, Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh Mr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, Secretary in Charge, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh Mr. Sture Patrik Andersson, Chief, Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal, Founder & Executive Director, BPKS Ms. Ms.Shirin Akhter, Chairperson, South Asian Disability Forum Ms. Jo Seaman Business Development Manager, British Council South Asia Region Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my great pleasure to be with you today for the Opening of the Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia: “Make the Right Real” here at British Council, Dhaka Bangladesh. The Royal Thai Government established the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) in collaboration with Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), which was endorsed by the United Nations Economics and Social Commission (ESCAP). APCD was identified as the Regional Cooperation Agency to implement the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, in line with so called Biwako Millennium Framework towards inclusive barrier-free rights based society for all. Statistics show that the world population is approximately 6.8 billion and continues to grow; 60% is in the Asia-Pacific region, 24% in South Asian sub-region, compared with 15% in the African region, 9% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 15% in Europe and 5% in North America. This means that the South Asia sub-region has the largest population. According to the World Report on Disability complied with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, an estimated 15% of the world’s population are persons with disabilities. If we consider that there are 6.9 billion people globally, more than 1 billion would be persons with disabilities. If we include the families of persons with disabilities, approximately 50% of the world’s population would be impacted. Therefore, the disability issue is not a minor issue, but a major development issue. Persons with disabilities make up the world’s largest and most disadvantaged group. Ninety-eight per cent (98%) of children with disabilities in developing countries cannot attend school, and an estimated 30% of the world’s street children live with disabilities. The literacy rate for adults with disabilities is as low as 3%, and in some countries, as low as 1% for women with disabilities. Disability is associated with literacy, malnutrition, lack of access to clean water, low rates of immunization against disease as well as unhealthy and dangerous working conditions. Ladies and Gentlemen, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasized that “Persons with Disabilities” and “Organizations of Persons with Disabilities” are experts and consultants for policy on disability. Especially, women with disabilities are key persons to develop quality of life for the families and communities. I would like to congratulate the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) to have great women leaders with disabilities. So that women with disabilities may become experts on not only family, community development for the CRPD, but also, national policy makers on disability. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the delegates present who are organizing such an epoch-making conference in Dhaka. The Royal Thai Government through APCD will continue to strengthen its collaboration with South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) to promote further empowerment of persons with disabilities in South Asia as “Agents of Change” in society and promote an inclusive barrier-free and right-based society for all. Logo: ESCAP Speech by Guest of Honor Patrik Andersson Chief, Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, ESCAP Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs Mr. Moshiur Rahman, Director General, Department of social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare Mr. Abdus Sttar Dula, Founder & Executive Director, BPKS Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, Executive Director, Asia-pacific Development Center on Disability, Ms. Shirin Akther, Chairperson, SADF Ms. Rosemary Arnott, Director, British Council Bangladesh, Mr. Takao Toda, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh, Distinguished participants, Dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the pacific (UNESCAP), it is my pleasure to have this opportunity to say a few opening words. At the outset, let me express our appreciation to the organizers of this conference. As you may know, ESCAP is the only regional intergovernmental platform that brings together all countries in Asia and the Pacific for dialogue and cooperation. This cooperation has – among other things – resulted in two Asian and pacific Decades of Disabled Persons, with the Agenda for Action and the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action as guiding tools. While the first decade focused on creating awareness through advocacy for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, the second decade has focused on developing the necessary legal and policy instruments to ensure the protection of those rights. A key highlight of the second decade came in 2006 with the adoption of the world’s first disability-specific human rights treaty – the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Bangladesh was one of the first countries in the Asia and Pacific region to ratify the Convention in November 2007. Since then, only 21 Governments in the Asia and pacific region have ratified the Convention. It is estimated that Asia and the Pacific is home to around 650 million persons with disabilities. Many of these 650 million persons continue to be discriminated against. Many also face limited education and employment opportunities and often no access to social protection benefits and other support programmes. Most persons with disabilities are not even recognized in official statistics. For these reasons, we need to significantly step-up our collective efforts to fight disability-related stigma and discrimination that continue to undermine local, national and regional disability responses. A decisive step in this process is to encourage governments in the region to accelerate the ratification and implementation of the CRPD. Mainstreaming disability perspectives in national legislation along the principles of the CRPD will be critical to ensure meaningful improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities. I am convinced that this Conference will provide and important step toward a more effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By building stronger partnerships that promote disability mainstreaming through the use of comprehensive approach at all levels of society we can all be part of Making the Right Real! Ladies and Gentlemen, The Asia and Pacific region has been the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing region for much of the past four decades. Even with the recent global economic crisis, Asia-Pacific developing economies are projected to grow by 7.3 percent this year. It is now time to ensure that these economic gains are equally shared by persons with disabilities and that their full rights are better promoted. For this reason ESCAP is intensifying its efforts and working closely with Governments and all other key stakeholders throughout the region to move the agenda forward. We therefore support the efforts of this Conference and look forward to the Dhaka Declaration that will be adopted tomorrow. Thank you. 21 September 2011 Opening 08:30 – 09:00 Registration *BPKS 09:00 – 10:30 Opening Ceremony: (5 Min) * Recitation of Holy Quran *Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) (10 Min) * Welcome Remark *South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) (5 Min) * Opening Remark Ms. Jo Seaman, Business Development Manager, British Council South Asia Region (5 Min) * Speech by Guest of Honor Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, Chief Barista, Empowerment Caf?, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) (5 Min) * Speech by Guest of Honor Mr. Sture Patrik Andersson, Chief, Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) (5 Min) * Speech by Special Guest Md. Moshiur Rahman, Director General, Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh (5 Min) * Speech by Special Guest Mr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, Secretary in Charge, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh (5 Min) * Speech by Special Guest H.E. Tasanawadee Miancharoen, Ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy in Bangladesh (15 Min) * Speech by Chief Guest Chief Guest Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh (5 Min) * Closing: Chairperson Mr. Abdus Sattar Dulal, Founder & Executive Director, BPKS (25 Min) * Photo Session 10:30 – 11: 00 Tea break Session 1: Reviewing Regional Collaboration 11:00 – 13:00 * Moderator: SADF Member * Chairperson: SADF Member Presentation * Review: Asia-Pacific Decade (2003-2012): Ms. Aiko Akiyama, Social Affairs Officer, Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, UNESCAP * Review: Sub-regional Collaboration in Asia-Pacific: Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, Executive Director, APCD * Review : Progress in the Current Decade (2003-2012) in Bangladesh: Mr. Pradip Ranjan Chakraborty, Director (Admin & Finance), National Foundation for Development of the Disabled Persons (NFDDP) * Review: Disabled People’s Organizations at Grassroots Level in the Current Decade (2003-2012): Mr. Ashrafun Nahar Misti, Program Operation Chief, BPKS * Q & A: Mr. Shirin Akhter, Coordinator, National Alliance of Disabled Peoples’ Organizations 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 15:00 * Moderator: SADF Member * Chairperson: SADF Member Presentation (cont.) * Disabled People’s Organizations at Grassroots Level in the Current Decade (2003-2012) Afghanistan (Mr. Abdul Ghafar Mohammad Omar Khan + Mr. Bashir Ahmad) Bhutan (Mr. Pema Chhogyel + Mr. Amrith Bdr. Subba) India (Mr. Mendhikar Srinivasulu + Ms Mridu Ram) Maldives (Mr. Mohamed Hamid Nasheed) * Q & A 15:00 – 15:30 Tea break 21 September 2011 (Cont.) 15:30 – 17:00 * Moderator:SADF Member * Chairperson: SADF Member Continue the Presentation on Review Nepal (Mr. Neera Adhikari + Mr. Kiran Shilpakar) Pakistan (Mr. Muhammad Atif Shiekh + Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani) Sri Lanka (Mr. Prasanna Rajiv Kuruppu + Ms. Hendawitharane Kishara Manique Gunaratne) * Disabled People’s Organizations at Grassroots Level in the Current Decade (2003-2012) * Q & A 17:00 Closing 1st Day 22 September 2011 Session 2: Asia-Pacific New Decade of Persons with Disabilities 09:00 – 09:30 Recap: Program of the day *SADF Member 09:30 – 11:00 * Moderator: SADF Member * Chairperson: A.S.M. Mosharraf Hossain, Country Representative, ADD Bangladesh Discussion *A Proposed New Asia-Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2013-2022) and South Asia: Mr. Sture Patrik Andersson, Chief, Ms. Aiko Akiyama, Social Affairs Officer, Social Integration Section, Social Development Division, UNESCAP *SADF Member 11:00 – 11:30 Tea break 11:30 – 13:00 * Moderator: SADF Member * Chairperson: A.S.M. Mosharraf Hossain, Country Representative, ADD Bangladesh Discussion (cont.) 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Session 3: Endorsement of South Asian Movement 14:00 – 15:30 * Moderator: Ms. Aiko Akiyama, Social Affairs Officer, Social Development Division, UNESCAP * Chairperson: Mr. Gazi Mohammad Nurul Kabir, Managing Director, National Foundation for Development of the Disabled Persons (NFDDP) Discussion *Acknowledgement of SADF: SADF Members/All Participants *Dhaka Recommendations: SADF Members/All Participants Dhaka Recommendations to Make the Right Real for Persons with Disabilities in South Asia The representatives of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in South Asia, international development agencies and the Government of Bangladesh, in total around 100 persons, participated in the Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia, from 21 to 22 September 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We, the participants in the Conference, thank the organizers, the Government of Bangladesh, the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF), the Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), the British Council (BC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their successful arrangement of the Conference; Appreciating the efforts made by the Governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in South Asia; Also appreciating the efforts made to raise awareness of the importance of accelerating the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) through the “Make the Right Real” Campaign; Acknowledging that the Governments of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan have ratified the CRPD; Supporting the official establishment of SADF, and its plan to organize the next conference in Nepal in 2013; Also supporting the proposal of a new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022 and the preparatory process for the High-level Inter-governmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012 to be held in October 2012, at Incheon, the Republic of Korea; Noting that the main causes of disability in South Asia are often linked to poverty, health conditions, situations of conflict and disasters; Encouraging SADF to take actions and collaborate with the governments and other stakeholders including civil society organizations and the business sector; Mindful that persons with disabilities in South Asia continue to face social exclusion, economic deprivation and physical as well as psychological mistreatment, often as a result of cultural perceptions and stereotypes. The participants of the Conference therefore recommend: 1. The governments in South Asia to review existing laws and to harmonize domestic legislation with the CRPD, in close collaboration with SADF and other DPOs, domestic and international NGOs, inter-governmental agencies and regional key partners such as ESCAP and APCD; 2. The governments in South Asia, DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders to support persons with disabilities by providing full access to information in Braille, sign language and in other accessible formats in both national and local languages; 3. The governments in South Asia to provide comprehensive capacity development programmes for DPOs and to ensure their involvement in the implementation of the CRPD; 4. The governments in South Asia to support the proposal of a new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022; 5. The governments in South Asia, DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders to collaborate for leadership development, and promote inclusive business development and community-based inclusive development to address gaps and challenges still faced by persons with disabilities; 6. The governments in South Asia to enhance the collaboration with SADF and other DPOs as well as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), regional key players such as ESCAP and APCD, media, human rights organizations and academic institutions; 7. All religious and spiritual leaders to enhance their efforts to eliminate all discrimination against persons with disabilities and to encourage their inclusion in all religious and social rituals; 8. The governments in South Asia to establish a data collection mechanism for comprehensive disability statistics, including the reporting of different impairments, employment situations, public accommodations and services and other socio-economic variables; 9. The governments in South Asia to strengthen social protection programmes and measures to improve the livelihoods of persons with disabilities; 10. The governments in South Asia to mainstream the gender dimension in all relevant policy measures in close consultation with DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders; 11. The Government of Bangladesh, SADF and other DPOs, and other stakeholders in Bangladesh continue to partner with ESCAP and APCD to further regional cooperation from the perspective of the CRPD. 22 September 2011 Present Ms. Shirin Akhter, Chairperson, South Asian Disability Forum, Bangladesh Mr.Hamid Nasheed Mohamed, Vice Chairperson, South Asian Disability Forum, Maldives Ms.Hendawitharane Kishara Manique Gunaratne, Vice Chairperson, South Asian Disability Forum, Sri Lanka Ms.Mridu Ram Goel, Honorable Secretary, South Asian Disability Forum, India Mr.Kiran Shilpakar, Treasurer, South Asian Disability Forum, Nepal Mr.Abdul Ghafar Muhammad Omar Khan, Executive Committee Member, South Asian Disability Forum, Afghanistan Mr.Pema Chhogyel, Executive Committee Member, South Asian Disability Forum, Bhutan Mr. M. Srinivasulu, Executive Committee member, South Asian Disability Forum, India Mr.Muhammad Atif Shiekh, Executive Committee Member, South Asian Disability Forum, Pakistan Photos Image: Organizers Welcoming Participants Image: Group Photo in the Opening Ceremony Image: Reviewing the Second Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012 Image: About 100 Delegates Participating in the Conference Logos: ESCAP, APCD Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability 255 Rajvithi Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, Thailand 10400 Tel 66 (0) 2354 7505 Fax 66 (0) 2354 7507 url www.apcdfoundation.org email: info@apcdfoundation.org Logos: APCD, JICA