December 3, 2014
Reports

National Conference 2014

1. Shifting the Paradigm: From Charity to Rights

A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the need to move away from treating persons with disabilities (PWDs) as objects of “pity” or “charity.” Speakers emphasized that PWDs are respectable, contributing members of society who require accessibility, not sympathy, to thrive.

2. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Emergency Response

Experts highlighted a critical gap in Pakistan’s emergency protocols:

PWDs are often the last to be rescued during disasters due to discriminatory attitudes.
Casualties among PWDs in recent mega-disasters reached an alarming 19,602 due to a lack of inclusive warning systems and evacuation plans.
Call to Action: Immediate integration of PWD-specific needs into National Disaster Management policies.

3. Legal and Judicial Reforms

Judicial dignitaries called for the urgent approval of a comprehensive Pakistan Disability Act. While minor progress has been made (such as installing a ramp at the Lahore High Court), the conference stressed that only a formal Act of Parliament could guarantee equal status and protection under the law.

4. Inclusive Education and Independent Living

The conference promoted the “Independent Living Philosophy,” which empowers PWDs to self-generate income and participate in mainstream life. It was noted that persons with disabilities and their families account for nearly 50% of the population, making inclusive education a national economic necessity.

5. Challenges Faced by Women with Disabilities

Women with disabilities face “manifold problems,” including severe gender discrimination and a lack of female staff during the registration process for disability certificates. The conference called for a gender-sensitive approach to disability rights to help women overcome deep-seated inferiority complexes caused by societal barriers.

6. The Role of Media

Speakers criticized the media for its “pity-based” approach. They urged media houses to move away from stereotypical portrayals of PWDs as sources of fear or charity and instead highlight their professional achievements and societal contributions.

The “Lahore Declaration” & Recommendations

The conference concluded with the unanimous passing of the Lahore Declaration, which urged the Government of Pakistan to:

Legislate: Domesticate the UNCRPD into national law with full letter and spirit.
Data Collection: Initiate an emergency national census to accurately count and categorize the PWD population.
Political Representation: Reserve a minimum of two seats for PWDs in all provincial assemblies.
One-Window Registration: Simplify the process for obtaining disability certificates and CNICs with the disability logo.
Accessibility: Issue mandatory notifications to all government departments to ensure 100% accessibility in public spaces.
Budgeting: Allocate specific funds for disability-inclusive media campaigns and disaster preparedness.

Summary: The 2014 CBID National Conference served as a pivotal call to action for the state to fulfill its international commitments and transition Pakistan into a barrier-free, rights-based society for all citizens.