THE education sector should be prioritized to develop the capacities of people with disabilities, said Vice-Senior General Soe Win.
At the ceremony to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, Chairman of the National Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win delivered a speech on the rights of the persons with disabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General noted that there are about 23,000 children with disabilities according to a 2016 study, and two in three children do not attend school and only 36 per cent can read and write. Therefore, special emphasis should be placed on the education sector for disabled people in the future. The government also arranges proper measures like creating opportunities at basic education schools for the disabled, vocational schools, adopting inclusive curricula and practices for disabled persons, teacher training for special education and providing required technologies and teaching aids for the disabled persons to get learning opportunities like others.
He added that the theme of this year is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
Among 8,200 million of world population, 16 per cent, over 1,300 million, are with disabilities. The 2019 interim census of Myanmar shows 5.9 million representing 12.8 per cent of the country’s population are with disabilities.
The government ratified the UNCRPD on 7 December 2011 and also enacted the Right of Persons with Disabilities Law (2015) and Rules (2017). Moreover, the country organized the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and nine working committees and subcommittees to implement the rights of persons with disabilities.
Similarly, the government also creates a non-obstacle environment for people with disabilities in public buildings and transport and adopts sign language in news broadcasting. Moreover, the honorary awards are also being presented for accessible tourism for people with disabilities every year in ceremonies marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
He continued that although the body of disabled people is not strong enough like others, proper measures must be arranged for them to participate in different sectors using their healthy body parts. Such actions can end the depression and feeling of insecurity of disabled people and can empower them to become reliable persons bringing benefits to the country. When disabled people can operate their vocational industries, they can receive integration in social and economic sectors, and become independent. Therefore, all should understand and accept them as they can do something even though they are disabled persons, and allow them to participate in organizations, servicing duties in making policies and decisions.
Moreover, the classification of disabilities and registration process is being conducted in 21 townships, and 5,937 are registered to date.
He then stressed the need to conduct rehearsals and education programmes for disabled persons regarding natural disasters, carry out actions under the laws, rules and regulations, and work together in line with the theme of this year.
Then, the Vice-Senior General awarded the winners of article competitions marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Moreover, the SAC members and Vice-Chair 1 of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities presented awards to the winners of different levels in different competitions.
Next, the Vice-Senior General and party enjoyed the performance of the members of the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities and students of Kyimyindine School For the Blind and School For the Deaf (Yangon).
The Vice-Senior General presented cash awards to the dance troupes.
The Vice-Senior General also posed for a photo together with the attendees and observed the displayed books, handmade products and photo records. — MNA/KTZH
