“During a recent National Disability Committee meeting, ambitious plans to enhance disability inclusion were revealed.”
PORT VILA: JUNE 14, 2024 The National Disability Committee (NDC) met at Tamanu on the Beach Resort in Port Vila, Vanuatu from June 10th to June 14th, 2024.
The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Justice and Community Services through the Disability Desk, aimed to explain the roles and responsibilities of its members, strengthen coordination processes, and pave the way for the effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies and initiatives.
The meeting included various stakeholders such as the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO), Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP), Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association (VDPA), and Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD). The key agenda items included reviewing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for NDC and Provincial Disability Committees (PDCs), outlining tasks for each member institution, and discussing the methodology and logistics for enacting legislation in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The Hon. John Amos Nalau Masilaewia, Minister of Justice and Community Services, emphasized Vanuatu's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The meeting aimed to develop a comprehensive work plan spanning from 2024 to 2027, allocate budgets, and clarify the crucial role played by the NDC in driving inclusive development.
Discussions cantered on the implementation of the Education Inclusive Policy, social protection measures for persons with disabilities, and government support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as VDPA and VSPD.
Ms Ginette Morris, Disability Desk Coordinator, highlighted that the NDC meeting was a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and working towards a more inclusive future.
The participation of esteemed members from various governmental and non-governmental entities underscored Vanuatu's holistic approach to disability inclusion.
Among the participating institutions are the Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Climate Change, Vanuatu National Statistics Office, Vanuatu Society for People with Disabilities, and representatives of persons with disabilities.
The meeting reflected Vanuatu's unwavering resolve to champion the rights and well-being of all its citizens.