Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Rights of the Disabled
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Chairperson vide letter dated 25.02.05 communicated to all the Chief Justices of the High
Court to take necessary steps ensuring that such a practice is suspended immediately. This
request was responded to in a most positive manner by all including the High Court of
Karnataka. There are serious barriers to access justice by the disabled. The Government
needs to proactively remove these obstacles to guarantee equal protection of law to persons
with disabilities.
5.33 The Commission is currently involved in a number of activities that would enable it to
understand the intersection of disability with gender, caste and poverty. There is an acute need to
mainstream disability in all efforts aimed at these vulnerable groups.
5.34 At the time of writing of the report, the Commission has also finalized the recommendations
of the National Conference on Disability and Human Rights held on 23.06.05, which was the
culmination of the NHRC-CHRC project. The recommendations, which are detailed below
have been referred to the various authorities for action:-
Government of India/State Governments:
●
The Government may consider instituting a National Task Force on accessible infrastructure
by persons with disabilities ensuring all public places, transport systems, media and public
information are redefined and delivered on disability inclusive norms.
[Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment]
●
To keep disability under the spotlight, the GOI may consider instituting an independent
Department of Disability and Development (DDD) on the lines of Department of Women
and Child with the Union Minister having an independent charge.
[Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment]
●
The Central Coordination Committee and the State Coordination Committees under
the Disability Act, 1995 in pursuance of their mandatory obligations should elaborate a
National/State Disability Policy and Action Plan to enable persons with disabilities effectively
enjoy all rights and benefits guaranteed under the law and at the same time it should enable
the Government at all levels to perform its mandatory functions and effectively utilize budget
allocated for the disability sector.
[Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment/ All States/UTs]
●
Developmental ministries and departments in GOI, State Governments and UT
Administrations including training institutions should designate a nodal officer on
disability assisted by a panel of experts from the disability sector to ensure inclusion
of a disability perspective in all aspects of their functioning such as planning, executive
and monitoring keeping in view the human rights perspective.
National Human Rights Commission Annual Report - 2004-2005
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