International Day of PWDs: Commemoration Ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw

A commemoration ceremony for 2022 International Day of the Persons with Disabilities took place at Myanmar International Convention Center-2 in Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday.

Chairman of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win gave an address, saying that Myanmar ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 7th December 2011.

Moreover, Myanmar is implementing the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (2013-2033) and ASEAN Enabling Master Plan (2025).

According to the Incheon Strategy, the initial project for classification and registration of the persons with disabilities has been implementing in Pobbathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Council area, Hlaingthaya Township of Yangon Region, Pa-An Township of Kayin State and Hopone Township of Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in Shan State (South).

Further implementation will be made for the remaining townships all across the country. Likewise, 5-year strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (2022-2027) was adopted according to the ASEAN Enabling Master Plan (2025).

The Vice Senior General urged all concerned ministries to draft the action plan for effective implementation of the strategy. He added that the government has disbursed 3 billion kyats fund for the rights of the persons with disabilities and it is needed to use the fund for education, health, social and welfare activities of the disabilities after supporting the effectively the persons with disabilities and disabilities organizations.

Vice Chairperson of the National Committee Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Thet Thet Khaing later explained the work undertakings for the persons with disabilities.

It was followed by the screening of video message by the UN Secretary General and documentary video clip on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Vice Senior General and officials later presented prizes to the winners of the commemoration contests, barrier free tourism award and medal winning disable athletes as well as to those who create job opportunities for the disabilities.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls on the 3rd of December each year, and commemoration ceremonies have been held globally, with the aim of promoting empowerment, and helping to create dignity, human rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

In Myanmar, the commemoration ceremony has been organized since 1994, and this year reached 29th time. This year’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world”.