Lahore, Christians and Muslims demand integration and support for disabled

June 07,2012: The central executive in Islamabad and the Punjab provincial government should "fulfill" their obligations to disabled people and encourage their inclusion in society and the world of work. There is a need to create an independent commission, a ministry dedicated to the disabled and a system that encourages - concretely - the introduction of laws and initiatives in support of the disabled. These are the points raised in a two-day Muslim-Christian meeting, which was held in Lahore on June 3 and 4 entitled: "More resources for activists to voice the rights of disabled people" (in a group photo of participants ).

The event sponsored by Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (Awam), designed to raise awareness among citizens and public opinion on diversity and disability, they were joined by lawyers, activists, journalists, teachers and representatives of civil society, Christians and Muslims, from Lahore, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Okara (Punjab). During the working session the group noted the "indifference" of people and "the indifference of the political class to introduce appropriate legislation", factors that have aggravated the already precarious condition of people with disabilities.

However, it is necessary that the government, opinion leaders and civil society bring "visible efforts" into the field to "put an end to discrimination and mistreatment" and facilitate the process of "integration". Naseem Anthony, Awam Executive Secretary, explains to AsiaNews that there is "a gap between the proposals and practical application" and for this "new legislation and policies are required to adopt a basic model that is in line with international commitments ". He is echoed by Shazia George, an activist for the rights of women, who said that "people with disabilities are largely excluded from political and social processes," they are "rejected or abandoned." This why they are calling for action to "raise awareness of the government" and "people" to "break down barriers" and create an atmosphere of full "social, economic and political" integration. For Nazia Sardar, feminist, disabled people "are an important segment of society" and to promote their integration "architectural barriers must be reduced."

Among the government officials who participated Jawwad Muhammad Afzal, a Muslim, spoke ensuring the commitment of the executive to "take actions to promote their inclusion" and the desire to "review the policies of Government, to meet international standards" . Finally Khalid Jamil, who is also Muslim lawyer who fights for the rights of persons with disabilities, confirmed that "even today there remain many challenges and obstacles" to be overcome. Many disabled people are in fact "poor, illiterate, unemployed," and they are being denied "the basic human rights." He hopes finally, in "joint" action by the government and civil society for awareness towards people with disabilities and the creation of spaces "for people with disabilities in society."
(Courtesy: Asia News)