Economic empowerment of persons with disabilities is a must: Minister

Asia-Pacific Jul 6, 2012

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:  Economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and their integration in mainstream income generation activities is essential for an inclusive society for Persons with Disabilities.

This was stated by Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, Federal Secretary Ministry of Capital Administration and Development (CAD) while addressing the seminar organized by the Directorate General of Special Education and Social Welfare in connection with commemoration of “One Year of the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).”

Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said that the micro-credit facility for persons with disabilities is an important initiative as it will provide them an opportunity to start small scale businesses which will eventually lead to their economic empowerment. He further said that it is equally important to engage persons with disabilities and provide them guidance for amicable utilization of micro-credit facility so that ultimate beneficiaries should be persons with disabilities.

Secretary CAD distributed 10 sewing machines, 20 pairs of crutches, 25 wheel chairs, 5 assistive aids for blind persons and 3 laptops among PWDs. Micro-credit facility was provided to 10 Persons with Disabilities with the collaboration of Helping Hand Relief and Development (HHRD) amounting to Rs35,000 to start small scale business whereas 10 persons with disabilities having physical and hearing impairment were provided job in international food chains.

Keys of tuck shops established for their income generation were presented to 3 Persons with Disabilities. At the end of the Seminar, Secretary (CAD) distributed shields souvenirs among organizers of the event. In his address, Director General Special Education and Social Welfare Syed Mustafain Kazmi said that the government ratified the Convention on July 5, 2011 which aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by the persons with disabilities at all levels, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

“After ratification, implementation of the Convention has become mandatory for the government.” He stressed on multinational companies, business community and philanthropists to come forward and show commitment under Corporate Social Responsibility for economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Representative of international and national NGOs, disabled persons’ organization (DPOs) and persons with disabilities in large numbers participated in the seminar. The seminar was organized with the collaboration of STEP, Sight-Savers Pakistan and Lenoard Cheshire Disability Pakistan.

Kazmi further said that the event of commemoration of “One Year of Ratification of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)” is organized with the theme of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and exploring avenues for providing job access to the marginalized segments of the society.

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk