Hindustani78
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09-September, 2019 18:18 IST
Union Government of India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Union Government of India ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the United Nations Convention which is known as Geneva Convention. Union Government of India submitted the First Country Report on Status of Disability of the United Nations Conventions in India in November 2015.
The United Nations Committee on Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the 22nd Session took up Union Government of India’s First Country Report for consideration during 2nd & 3rd September 2019 at United Nations Human Rights Commission. An Indian delegation headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD deposed before the United Nations Committee during the process of consideration of the report.
Secretary, DEPwD highlighted various initiatives taken by the Union Government of India in the recent past for inclusion and empowerment of PwDs in line with the obligations under United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Union Government of Indian Delegation headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD specifically drew attention of the United Nations Committee on enactment of the Comprehensive RPwD Act, 2016, launch of Accessible India Campaign, establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) to address issues concerning psycho-social disability, establishment of Centre for Disability Sports, achievements in distribution of aids and assistive devices, etc.
The United Nations Committee while appreciating the provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016 and various initiatives of the Union Government of India raised queries relating to implementation of the provisions of the Act, measures taken/being taken by the Union Government of India to improve data, prohibit discrimination, especially amongst ethnic/religious minority groups, rehabilitation of internal displaced groups, protection from exploitation, protection of reproductive rights etc. The issues with regard to legal capacity of PwDs and the redressal mechanism for any violations under RPwD Act, 2016 were also discussed.
The Union Government of Indian Delegation replied to the queries raised by the United Nations Committee based on the constitutional provisions, provisions under the RPwD Act, other relevant laws and the affirmative actions so far taken in this regard. With reference to a query relating to Jammu and Kashmir State, The Union Government of Indian Delegation headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD categorically stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of Union of India and the Union Government of India has taken adequate steps to make available medical facilities to all the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir State. Union Government of Indian Delegation headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD also highlighted the steps taken by the Union Government of India to protect the reproductive rights of all the citizens including women with disabilities.
The United Nations Committee welcomed the efforts of the Union Government of India and noted the response of the Indian delegation. The United Nations Committee will come up with its final recommendations on the report shortly.
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