ISLAMABAD: Many differently-abled people in Pakistan and around the world are still denied their rights almost every day.

This is the reason the government must absolutely participate in the upcoming Global Disability Summit, being held in Norway from Feb 15 to 17, to address the problems of such individuals and how they can be resolved.

This has been highlighted by representatives of several organisations ahead of the summit.

Consultation meetings were arranged by Community Based Inclusive Development Network Pakistan (CBIDN) and National Forum of Women with Disabilities where differently-abled people from all provinces participated.

Ask govt to ensure participation in Global Disability Summit

They highlighted the importance of the government’s participation in the summit as this will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment towards protecting human rights.

As per the Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign, global decision-makers have been urged to engage with differently-abled people and their respective organisations.

The Pakistani government has also been asked to ensure that proper legislation is made to secure rights of those in need.

According to a statement, the campaign was executed for 100 days and it was endorsed by celebrities, influencers and the general public.

Thousands of people, specifically youth, signed the petition.

Sightsavers Country Director Syeda Munazza Gillani said many people with disabilities had been denied their basic human rights especially during the pandemic.

The summit is a chance to change millions of lives.

It is important to ensure that female voices are heard in the development of recommendations to governments around the world during the summit, participants of consultation meetings said.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2022