Calls are being made for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities in Dominica.
President of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) Micheal Murphy says the busy Christmas season is making it more difficult for persons with disabilities to move around.
“About one billion persons all over the world are living with some form of disabilities. 80 percent live in developing countries and Dominica is one such country and we are no less affected by the barriers. This time of year it is even more difficult for persons to move around. We are hoping that in the not so distance future, government will ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities,” he explained.
According to Murphy, if the convention is ratified, it would be a gift to the elderly of Dominica.
Statistics show that around 15 percent of the world’s population, or one billion people, live with disabilities.
International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities was observed here on December 3, 2011.
The day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life.
The convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006 and opened for signature on 30 March 2007. Following ratification by the 20th party, it came into force on 3 May 2008. As of December 2011, it has gained 153 signatories and 107 parties, including the European Union.
Dominica has signed the convention but has not ratified it.
While those that are in good condition are asking for more ,always more , what about cutney in portsmouth who is in a very bad or the worse condition at the moment ,,,what is gov’vt doing? They are also responsible.
Let us be satisfied with the very little that we have while many do not have any thing.
One way of forcing government hands on this issue is for people with disabilities to ‘occupy’ Parliament like the ‘occupy wall street’ movement and make sure they get maximum coverage from the world media. It’s time we have our own ‘Dominican Spring’.
Da government needs to act on the matter ASAP