INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Tokyo, Japan: 13 to 16 November 2001

The International Seminar on Social Welfare in Asia and the Pacific was held from 13 to 16 November 2001 at Japan College of Social Work, Tokyo, Japan. This seminar brought together representative from 13 countries and a representative from ESCAP. The Disability Action Council (DAC) representative, Mr. Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director, was also invited to participate in this seminar.

It was also honored by the distinguished presence of H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Welfare, Labor, Vocational Training and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSALVY) of Cambodia who gave the guest lecture as well as Ms. Rituko Nagao, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Japan College of Social Work.

For this year the theme was on "International Comparative Study on Disability Policies and Programs in the 21 Century in the Asia Pacific."

The Seminar observed dynamic exchanges of information and difficulties experienced in the respective countries on definitions, clarifications, statistics, policies, formal and informal services and some comparative studies.

A brief summary of relevant information presented during the seminar discussions is as follows:

• People with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific appear to have gained from their government and civil society's involvement and commitment in networking effectively. Most countries have policies, regulations, and acts that protect and provide for the successful involvement of people with disabilities in the mainstream of the society. However the major criticism is that many of these good policies / acts does not have an effective plan of action or monitoring mechanism. This has created frustration and sometime negative perception among people with disability with regards to their future development and contribution towards nation building.
• Definitions and classifications of people with disabilities. Countries had their own one, but on the whole they adopted the WHO's I.D.H. definition. Terminologies in the respective nation language were not clear, nor disabled-sensitive. The need to consult and involve people with disabilities in this respect was much highlighted.
• Statistical gathering. Most countries experienced much difficulty in obtaining reliable information and financial constrains for effective results. Sample surveys and localized studies had been used to arrive at estimates on statistics of people with disabilities. This does not truly reflect the prevalence of disability in the Asia and the Pacific. The need to look at alternative approaches for statistical gathering and service provision was much emphasized.
• International documents / declarations are been successfully mobilized or used as a framework for influencing and monitoring Government organizations and civil societies response and plan of action for people with disabilities. Greater public education and awareness in this respect was much desired in most countries.
• The influence of CBR approaches in the Asia and the Pacific. It appears to have grown in leaps and bounds and is significantly mobilizing, especially the rural communities in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. This approach stimulates the "shared responsibility" attitude and commitment of the community. Thus the caring society and cost-benefit concept are taking roots in the Asia and the Pacific.

The seminar also acknowledged the need for effective coordination and monitoring of GOs, NGOs, and CBOs in their conceptualization and delivery of services, pooling resources and bringing proficiency in existing rehabilitation programs. Meaningful multi and inter-sectoral involvement is much encouraged.

Embracing inclusion and redressing exclusion of people with disability was much discussed at this meeting. Countries reported the adoption of inclusionary measures at various levels in the community and the challenges encountered. Members at the seminar generally felt the people with disabilities are being more articulate and have initiated and responsible for the positive changes that is witnessed in the Asia Pacific Region campaigning for a quality of life and their role in community and nation building.

Click the following link to view Cambodia Country Paper Summary or Entire story (PDF, 379kb) and Speech of H.E. Ith Sam Heng (PDF, 104kb).