Govt urged to renew promises on disability rights at global summit

Islamabad : The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be met unless world leaders take concrete action on disability rights at a major summit this April, campaigners have warned.

The Global Disability Summit, which will take place in Berlin between April 2 and 3, comes as a UN report reveals insufficient progress on disability inclusion. The report highlights stalled or reversed progress in nearly 14% of SDG targets, including access to financial resources, health care, water, information and communication technologies, and building resilience for people with disabilities during emergencies.

Munazza Gillani, Director Sightsavers Pakistan and Middle East said: "Here in Pakistan these challenges are all too real. Our government must use the Global Disability Summit to make specific, funded commitments that will make a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities - from education and health care to employment and protection from violence. The summit presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to demonstrate leadership in disability inclusion and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind."

In Pakistan there is around 16% population with some disability who are lacking access to basic human rights. As the Government prepares to participate in the upcoming Global Disability Summit, it has a unique opportunity to reaffirm its commitments to inclusive development and empowerment of people with disabilities.