The Council of Ministers (COM) in its meeting last month discussed one of the government’s commitments to mainstream disability in national planning and development.
There were several recommendations made during the meeting. COM also considered the contents of Vanuatu’s Disability Inclusive Development Policy Implementation Plan.
Ms Ginette Morris, Disability Desk Coordinator pointed out that the COM approved a national system for people with disabilities to be put into place.
She stressed that this system will take into account the suggested improvements and be connected with other government services, thanks to the adoption of the National ID.
The National Disability Committee, Sector focal points, and funding for the Disability Desk to provide coordination were also approved by COM. The Ministry of Finance and the National Disability Committee are given the task of developing a budget allocation to carry out the policy implementation plan.
COM supports programs that help the government’s affirmative action policies, such as requiring that at least 1% of posts in the Public Service Commission or government-led projects go to individuals with disabilities.
Ginette Morris admitted that Vanuatu was the first of the Pacific Island countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It has made success in a number of social changes, including addressing the challenging problem of helping persons with disabilities.
According to the COM’s paper, Vanuatu has a long history of committing to persons with disabilities.
COM also revealed that there are still a number of tactical and operational obstacles to overcome in order for them to become a reality, despite steadfast promises and commitments.
Two of the tactical and operational challenges highlighted are the national data source for disability, and that individuals with disabilities are more likely to reside in the lowest and next-lowest quintiles of family wealth.
The policy will be funded by the Pacific Community (SPC) and will undergo a mid-term evaluation with assistance from the MJCS Disability Desk and Policy Unit four years after it is adopted.
COM stated that all reports will be evaluated in order to determine accomplishments, gaps, lessons learned, and problems. This policy might change as a consequence of the evaluation. The review will check if the policy is still relevant and help support the accomplishment of its objectives.