Toward a universally accessible environment

Toward a universally accessible environment.

The landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasises that facilities and opportunities for persons with disabilities are an integral part of sustainable development, writes KIM HAK-SU

In the course of my work, I visit many cities within the Asia and Pacific region. Wherever I am, I like to walk.

The explosion of urban development is evident in much of the region - many cities are one big construction site with streets that are paved with hazards. Open manholes, electrical wiring hanging low from poles, broken footpaths, and high curbs are common obstacles. In other instances, rural migrants and other homeless people live on pavement, under bridges, and wherever they can find shelter in the urban jungle.

I often wonder how I would manage if I were a wheelchair user or a blind person. As a visitor who does not know the local language, asking for directions is much like facing the communication challenges that deaf persons struggle with. Similarly, a city with poor or no signage inflicts on visitors and intellectually challenged persons alike the same obstacles to moving about.

I observe how fearful senior citizens are in crossing the street, how steep staircases challenge people - young and old - lugging baggage. I also notice how I am more easily tired after such walks because of trying to negotiate the obstacle course that marks the walk. In contrast, after a walk in cities where access features have been included seamlessly into the built environment, I feel far less tired.

Without access, children with disabilities are prevented from going out of their homes. This means that there is no transport to schools, no access to school toilets, canteens and classrooms, and thus no education and no skills development. Hence, no jobs. For those who become disabled, it is easy to spiral downwards into poverty and loss of social status. The prevalence of poverty among persons with disabilities is disproportionately high.

Inclusion of the weakest

The Asia and Pacific region is applauded for its impressive economic growth. With such economic success, isn't it time that we give higher priority to social issues? Of what value is an 8 percent annual growth rate if it does not translate into the inclusion of the weakest into mainstream society? Specifically, to what extent can societies in this region convert the right to freedom of movement of persons with diverse disabilities into access to the built environment and to information?

On 13 December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which emphasises that facilities and opportunities for persons with disabilities are an integral part of sustainable development. The 50-article Convention spells out all human rights articles existing in international legal instruments in disability terms and amplifies some of them. For example, if a signatory country develops a park, public toilets or a train station, the facilities must be accessible to persons with diverse disabilities.

The Convention aims for a standard of accessibility for persons with disabilities that would allow for participation in society, school attendance, job search, and equal opportunity. It calls for action by Governments and other stakeholders to make the lives of persons with disabilities easier and more dignified.

The Asia and Pacific region, now midway into its second Decade of Disabled Persons, faces many challenges with regard to the Convention. Much more effort is required to improve public facilities, transport and services. Opportunities abound to get it right from the outset, well before the blue prints are approved. Through the intermediation of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap), a good start has been made in developing countries of the region to improve the accessibility of the built environment.

Many cities have begun to adapt and implement Escap guidelines on accessibility. Tangible examples exist in Bangkok, Beijing and numerous other cities in China, as also New Delhi and Hyderabad. The work of the DAISY Consortium, a Unescap development partner, is leading to improvements in access for persons with disabilities in the information society.

The Convention will go into effect 30 days after at least 20 countries have signed and ratified it, and will be open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters from 30 March 2007, when the ratification process will start.

Ratify Convention

I hope that many countries, including from Asia and the Pacific, will ratify the Convention. Furthermore, for it to be effective, its principles and content have to be translated into national legislation and policy.The Asian and Pacific region has made considerable progress on legislation pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities. Countries that have advanced in this regard include China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Vietnam.

On anti-discrimination laws that specifically protect persons with disabilities, Australia, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand have such laws. Australia, China, Fiji, India, Hong Kong, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the Republic of Korea have various types of measures for accessibility. These range from guidelines and access standards to building by-laws and building codes.

Social security laws, building codes and education laws have to be re-examined to comply with the Convention and be duly revised. I strongly urge that national legislation be strengthened in keeping with standards articulated by the Convention.

It is not only persons with disabilities who grapple with difficulties in moving about, but older persons, pregnant women, families with young children, those who are temporarily injured or sick, those who have to move with heavy baggage and those who do not know their way around.

Asian and Pacific societies are heading towards rapid ageing. In Thailand, for example, the ratio of older people in the population is expected to increase from 10.5 per cent in 2005 to 16 per cent in 2020. Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore are already ageing. Creating a universally accessible environment should be a top priority on our development agenda. The Convention is the key to creating a more inclusive society. Let us celebrate the newly adopted Convention by committing to support the translation of its spirit of equality into reality.

Mr Kim Hak-Su is UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of Unescap based in Bangkok.

Perspective
Bangkok Post
Monday January 15, 2007