The three-day residential workshop on the disability rights landscape in Bangladesh provided a critical platform for reviewing the status of disability rights and social protection in the country. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, CSOs, UN agencies, and government officials, to engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at identifying key challenges and solutions for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. The overarching goal was to foster collaboration among stakeholders and make actionable commitments for advancing disability rights in Bangladesh for the year 2025.
The workshop began with an introduction to the disability rights landscape in Bangladesh, including an overview of key legislation such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities (RRPD) Act 2013. The session also covered the Rules of Business 2015 and National Action Plan (NAP) for persons with disabilities, all of which aim to create a more inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. Updates from a recent visit with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh highlighted the importance of political will in advancing disability rights and inclusivity. The workshop also reviewed the social protection landscape for persons with disabilities from a disability-inclusive lens. Discussions focused on disability allowances, Active Labour Market Programs (ALMPs), and the integration of disability rights into the broader social protection framework.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to understanding the UNPRD efforts in Bangladesh, specifically the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and progress made by various UN agencies in promoting disability inclusion. Presentations from experts highlighted the importance of aligning national policies with global disability rights commitments, and the session emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in all aspects of development. Additionally, a hands-on exercise on root cause analysis of disability inclusion barriers provided participants with a practical understanding of how to identify and address the underlying issues hindering effective inclusion.
The workshop also featured a panel session with the Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW) and JPUF to discuss the implementation of the RRPD Act 2013. Key themes included revitalizing disability committees, appointing disability focal points within ministries, and enhancing inter-ministerial coordination. The MoSW officials reassured participants of their unwavering commitment to implementing the RRPD Act 2013, with a focus on activating the relevant committees and integrating the findings from the workshop into actionable policies. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the honorable adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare remains supportive and empathetic toward efforts to mainstream persons with disabilities.
Another major focus of the workshop was the need for collaboration and teamwork. The MoSW representatives outlined plans to work closely with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to address issues related to tax rebates and assistive devices, which have been significant barriers to full participation for persons with disabilities. It was agreed that communication with the NBR Chairman and Secretary would be prioritized to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in government activities and policy initiatives. This highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to address systemic challenges in disability inclusion.
The issue of disability focal points was also prominently discussed. It was recognized that having a dedicated focal point within each government ministry would help ensure institutional accountability and facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities across all sectors. Participants agreed that letters would be sent to each ministry urging them to designate focal points for disability inclusion, which would significantly streamline the implementation of the RRPD Act 2013 and help ensure that disability rights are integrated into all government functions.
One of the workshop’s key discussions centered around the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process, which has traditionally overlooked the contributions of persons with disabilities. Acknowledging this gap, participants emphasized the need for a more inclusive VNR process that accurately represents the participation of all segments of society, including persons with disabilities. Unlike previous reports, which largely reflected government achievements, the VNR 2025 would be a state document that incorporates inputs from CSOs, NGOs, and organizations representing persons with disabilities, ensuring that their contributions are recognized. The workshop also emphasized the need to integrate disability data into the SDG Tracker, allowing disability-related information to be systematically tracked and incorporated into national development progress reports. This would ensure that disability rights are not only acknowledged but actively measured as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global frameworks. The final discussions focused on global commitments to disability inclusion, such as the Global Disability Summit 2022, UN CRPD, and the Marrakesh Treaty.
In conclusion, the workshop marked a pivotal moment in advancing disability rights in Bangladesh, setting the stage for impactful, long-lasting change. The collective commitment to activating disability focal points, strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, and integrating disability data into national and global development frameworks demonstrates a unified drive towards a truly inclusive society. These commitments, when fully realized, hold the potential to transform the lives of persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation and recognition. By following through on these actions, Bangladesh will not only fulfill its global disability rights obligations but also move closer to achieving the crucial goal of ‘leaving no one behind,’ fostering a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Objectives of the Workshop
- Disability rights and social protection landscape in Bangladesh
- Overview of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
- The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013
- Addressing discrepancies in disability data
- Strengthening inter-ministerial coordination for the effective implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities
