National Dialogue on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Address Challenges and Promote Inclusion and Innovative Approaches

LALITPUR, June 16: The National Dialogue on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was organized on the 14th of June by UNICEF in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, the National Disabled Fund, the Delegation of European Union to Nepal, the Royal Norwegian Embassy to Nepal, Save the Children, and various stakeholders. The Dialogue aimed to shed light on the situation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the challenges faced by them, particularly children. The dialogue also brought together relevant stakeholders to review and reflect on innovative programmes and practices and learn from each other.

Nepal, as a signatory to the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), is committed to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite Nepal’s commitment to bringing CRPD into practice, the perpetuation of discrimination against persons with disabilities is a reality in Nepal. In fact, PwDs are going through various kinds of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and economic hardships. UNICEF has recognized the intersectionality of disabilities with gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and geographical location, and has advocated for their equal treatment as other citizens.