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STATEMENT BY

 

THE HONOURABLE DATO’ SRI HAJAH NANCY SHUKRI

MINISTER OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

MALAYSIA

 

AT THE

GENERAL DEBATE OF THE

16TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES TO

THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES

 

President,

 

Malaysia welcomes the theme of this year’s Conference on harmonising national policies and strategies with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It is in line with efforts undertaken domestically, particularly through the passing of the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008. We are currently undertaking a review of the Act based on feedback, inputs and proposals received from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, academia and special interest groups, with a view of further strengthening the rights to equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities.

 

2.       Malaysia has put in place a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities since 2007, and has taken affirmative action to accelerate disability-inclusive initiatives, even before becoming a State Party to the CRPD. The Policy and its Plan of Action serves as a foundation to ensure full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society, on an equal basis. We are reviewing the Plan of Action to identify existing gaps and formulate new and better strategies.

 

3.       The National Council for Persons with Disabilities, established in 2008, is responsible in monitoring the implementation of the Policy and its Plan of Action. The Council is a platform for representatives of relevant government agencies, NGOs, individuals and experts to make recommendations to the Government on matters related to, inter alia, support, care, protection, rehabilitation, development and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

 

President,

 

4.       In creating a conducive environment for persons with disabilities, the Government is providing disability equality training, disability-related services training and job coaching, to increase awareness and readiness of the public and private sectors. Furthermore, a representative from among persons with disabilities has been appointed to the Malaysian Senate since 2007 to empower them and ensure representation.

 

 5.       Malaysia acknowledges the importance of sexual and reproductive health education for persons with disabilities. In 2022, a pilot seminar was held for parents of children with disabilities on how to educate their children on sexual and reproductive health-related matters. Based on the encouraging feedback received, this seminar will continue to be held annually at dedicated Family Centres.

 

6.       On digital accessibility for persons with disabilities, an ICT and multimedia programme called PDKNet is offered at Community-Based Rehabilitation centres nationwide since 2011. This initiative comprises portals and courseware developed for person with disabilities, with the goal of efficiently using information technology to support interactive learning, rehabilitation, and communication for person with disabilities.

 

7.       Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the CRPD and towards the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

 

Thank you.