Statement by Pakistan at the 72nd Session of the World Health Assembly (20th to 28th May 2019, Geneva)
Excellencies,
Colleagues, friends
Ladies and gentlemen,
Imagine if Stephen Hawkings of our time was not able to make us marvel at the complexities of the universe. Imagine his genius not utilized by humanity and imagine a boy or girl of equal or greater genius lost because he/ she cannot communicate with the world. Hawking was indeed a “spokes model” for the use of assistive technologies. An inspiration not only for the persons with disabilities but for all of us. Hawking showed us that the use of assistive technologies in our everyday world diminishes the differences between people with different abilities. Today we pay a tribute to this great mind of our time.
Ladies and gentlemen,
- It gives me immense pleasure to welcome the panelists and all of you to today’s side event on Access to Assistive Technology, hosted by Pakistan and China, and co-sponsored by Iraq and Italy.
- Pakistan has been a champion for access to assistive technology for decades.
- In order to provide for policy-making, policy implementation, employment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, the Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance was promulgated in 1981. The federal government allocated one percent quota for the disabled in each cadre/service provided that their names were registered with the employment exchanges of the areas where they lived.
- Pakistan adopted a national policy for persons with disabilities 2002 and a national plan of action was evolved in 2006. We ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010, which provides a comprehensive framework for the enforcement and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and imposes specific obligations on all ratifying states. We are ensuring that our legislation and policy is in line with the Convention.
Ladies and gentlemen,
- Apart from the legal and social discourse, I ask myself, what is assistive technology? My answer is upholding human dignity! The persons with disabilities often face challenges in performing activities of daily living(ADLs) independently or even with assistance. The challenges they face can be minimized with the assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices. These technologies include equipment, software programs, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks they were unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing through the use of technology. It is indeed the means to restoring dignity.
- The power of human mind and dreams knows no bound. Disabilities cannot and should not restrict fulfillment of any person’s dreams and aspirations. The ongoing scientific and technological advancements are providing assistive tools for empowerment helping transcend disabilities. This list of assistive technologies must also be ever evolving. As I see the Assistive technology of tomorrow contains robotic exoframes for the elderly and intelligent prostethics. It is therefore, our duty to ensure easy access to all persons that need these life-changing technologies at pace with innovations in science and technology.
Ladies and gentlemen,
- Pakistan appreciates support from WHO membership for wholeheartedly supporting the important initiative of Improving Access to Assistive Technologies. This Health Assembly would adopt a resolution which we believe would be a milestone in ensuring that persons with disabilities have easy access to affordable assistive technology.
- I thank all the co-sponsors of the resolution for their commitment to the cause of persons with disabilities, and all of you for lending your invaluable support.
- Ending where I started from, Stephen Hawkings, who showed that the brilliant creativity of any one cannot be constrained if smarter assistive technologies unlock our voices and talent.
I thank you.
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