ASEAN FORUM ADVOCATES COMPREHENSIVE HANDLING OF DISABILITIES, FOSTERS INCLUSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Protection and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities in ASEAN is carried out comprehensively including aspects of education, health, provision of employment opportunities and social protection.

According to a statement, this comprehensive treatment is needed so that persons with disabilities can be independent and at the same time increase their dignity.

This is one of the main issues that emerged at the ASEAN High-Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025, which was held for three days from Oct 10 in Makassar, Indonesia.

In her opening remarks, Indonesia Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini said disability is not only an issue in ASEAN, but also globally because the number of persons with disabilities is quite large.

She hopes that through this AHLF, the handling of disabilities in ASEAN can be even better in the future.

Rismaharini added the presence of participants from various countries was also used to promote Indonesia's unique and diverse tourism as tourism potential is very rare and extraordinary so it should be promoted worldwide.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities, Norman Yulian, on the same occasion, appreciated the seriousness of the government, especially the Ministry of Social Affairs, in realising an inclusive and disability-friendly Indonesia.

“We hope that through AHLF we can design a master plan for handling disabilities for the ASEAN region,” he said.

The forum was attended by 13 representatives of countries from ASEAN, observers and delegates of other countries, consisting of Ministers and ASEAN Senior Officials who are responsible for social welfare and development in related sectoral bodies, ASEAN affiliated entities and partners.

A number of speakers appeared on the first day of AHLF 2023 who focused on identifying challenges in ASEAN to strengthen disability inclusive development, while also discussing various issues and lessons learned from the impact of the pandemic on the lives of persons with disabilities.

-- BERNAMA