South Asia Sub-Regional Report
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- Key policy areas
- Introduction
- Culture
- People
BackgroundDue to more then two decades of War no appropriate data is available about Afghanistan. Because of war Economic and Social development has not been managed properly. This situation comes at the strategic point in time while International community notably UNAMA and the transitional government of Afghanistan both setup foundations for democracy in the country by holding general election. Now Afghanistan is a democratic country. Afghanistan is the largest Land mine planted country many disabled people living in Afghanistan. But they are more suffering then common man even United Nations Decade of disabled persons was not considered in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the National constitution is being drafted and it is important to include impairment and disability concerns in its text drafted under the national development framework. The constitution of Afghanistan provides the overall framework for developing a national policy on disability as it includes reference to fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The goal of this national policy is to promote the goals of an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society for persons with disability and impairment in Afghanistan as a set of policy directions. Also it is to protect and promote the rights and dignity of disabled people within the framework of a new constitution. Accordingly disabled Afghans are entitled to the enjoyment of the full range of civil, political socio-economical and cultural rights embodied in the Afghan constitution (to be adopted by December 2003) and international human rights instruments (such as CEDAW, CRC etc.) Without discrimination against them all. The policy sets out an ultimate goal and set of targets for the government in partnership with civil society, including grass-roots organizations and community organizations, such as self-help groups of persons with disabilities, parents associations, Islamic organizations and non governmental organizations, the privet sector, social groups and professional associations to address the existent barriers that exclude disabled people for the purpose of their integration. It is expected that initial policy will lead to a more detailed and prioritized plan of action that need to be developed in order to achieve the ultimate objectives of this policy. A set of national legislative may be needed to be adopted, based on this policy, in the near future.
The initial policy will also provide only a very board framework within which to address the rights of disabled people under an each sectoral law, particularly the most vulnerable groups including young disabled children, women with disabilities and disabled refugees/displaced. Key policy areasThis policy targets the disabled persons as an individual and as part of society and therefore deals with all aspects of life. However, some key areas have been identified which need special attention based on the perceived needs and priorities of disabled Afghans. These include supporting disabled people’s organizations, especially supporting women groups; raising awareness to educate and change public attitudes towards disabled people; prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation including health care and therapeutic Aids; the development of guidance for accessible environment and facilities, including access to information; education for all accessible vocational training programs and facilities; and an affirmative action plan to ensure that disabled people have equality of opportunity in employment options including sheltered employment further, the inclusion of disabled people in to society requires physical and programmatic access to culture and recreational activities including sport, as well as access to social welfare, accessible housing and transport. it is important to promote the above as well as strengthen the position on sign language for deaf people and have information converted in to Braille and in large prints for blind and partially sighted people respectively.
Therefore, human resource development is necessary and a priority. Training will be given to personnel involved and planning and provision of services for disabled people. The government in coordination with National disability commission (NDC) will take the lead role in to the collection and dissemination of information as well as research into the needs of disabled people. In implementing this comprehensive National policy on disability, the ministry of martyrs and disabled (MMD) will take the lead role for the coordination of National programs. Designated ministries have been assigned special roles and responsibilities to implement this policy. The (MMD) and related government agencies will work closely with National and International organizations including disability organizations to realize this policy the MMD and NDC will collaborate. Together with other agencies notable organizations of disabled people for the monitoring of implementation of this policy. Women with disability Women and girls with disabilities are often exposed to poverty more than boys and men with disabilities and face discrimination within the family. Women and girls need to have equal access to health, education, vocational training, employment and income generation opportunities, and to be included in social and community activities.
Women and girls with disabilities encounter all kinds of discrimination as they are exposed to greater risk of physical and sexual abuse and often are not given adequate sexual health and reproductive rights advice. These issues need to be addressed not only through this policy, but also through the broader context of gender mainstreaming and women in development policies and through a national council of women (upon formation). They should actively involve and include women and girls with disabilities and empower women and girls, at the grassroots level. Such policies must in particular assist families to gain an adequate income so they can meet the needs of their disabled children. The Biwako Millennium Frame work:
The UNESCAP adopted Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) for action towards and inclusive Barrier-free and rights based society for persons with disabilities in the Asia and pacific region. An inclusive society means a society for all and a Barrier free society means a society free from physical, environmental and attitudinal barriers, as well as socio-economic and cultural barriers, including the rights to development. The BMF encourages Governments to actively implement the paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights based approach to the development of persons with disabilities and to move towards human rights perspective especially the perspective of the rights to development for persons with disabilities, bearing in mind general assembly resolution 56/168 of 19 December 2001 on a comprehensive and integral International convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
Complying with the BMF Afghanistan will be an inclusive and barrier free society where disable people can live in a society that recognizing and highly values of our own lives and dignity, and constantly enhances the process of full participation of all citizens, women and men, the disabled and non-disabled, the young and old.”
IntroductionHidden deep in the folds of the great Himalayan mountains for years, Bhutan developed its own civilization. The population of about 700,000 people, living in close harmony with nature, evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Today, the world is seeing many exotic aspects of this kingdom.
Bhutan is becoming increasingly known for its pure practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the Tantric form, its untouched culture, its pristine ecology and wildlife, and the unparalleled scenic beauty of its majestic peaks and lush valleys. It is still, in many ways, a magical kingdom of the past. CultureBhutanese language and literature, the arts and crafts, ceremonies and events, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from religious teachings. The tradition of fine art is alive today, manifested, for example, in products like the legendary thangkas. The exquisite traditional painting is also visible on monasteries and houses, skillfully enhancing the architecture.
Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. The combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is unparalleled in all structures, from the massive monastic fortresses to houses and bridges. Traditional shapes, colors and patterns on the walls, doors, windows, place Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own. Music, dance, and handicrafts, both by the clergy and the lay population, play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan's textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, color and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors, and users.
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. The people also speak more than 18 dialects across the country. Today, English is taught in the schools and is used as the official working language, but the national leaders emphasize the development and use of Dzongkha. PeopleBhutan's population is, in many ways, one large family. More than 90 percent of the people live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated villages across the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
With rice as the staple diet in the lower regions, and wheat, buckwheat, and maize in the other valleys, the people farm narrow terraces cut into the steep hill slopes. Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication in the past. It is for this reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people. It is for the same reason that, despite the small population, it has developed a number of languages and dialects. The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humor. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan.
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