3rd Annual Disability Policy Dialogue Sheds Light on Disability Inclusive Social Protection in Lao PDR

27/03/2024 13:38

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KPL (KPL) On Mar 26, 2024, Deputy General Director of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons and Deputy Head of Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) Sengaloun Luangraj and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Representative Michael Ronning together opened the 3rd Annual Disability Policy Dialogue (ADPD).

(KPL) On Mar 26, 2024, Deputy General Director of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons and Deputy Head of Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) Sengaloun Luangraj and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Representative Michael Ronning together opened the 3rd Annual Disability Policy Dialogue (ADPD).

The event aimed to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the Lao PDR and explore opportunities for promoting their inclusion in the country's development.

Despite the 2015 national census data showing a 2.77% prevalence of disability in the Lao PDR, the Brief Model Disability Survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 revealed that around 23% of the adult population experience severe forms of disabilities. Despite existing national legislations and policy directions, persons with disabilities are still excluded from mainstream development in the country.

The theme of the 3rd ADPD in 2024 is ‘Disability Inclusive Social Protection”. The event was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the NCPD, in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion and other organizations of persons with disabilities. Key development partners shared experiences and ideas to identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities to fully and effectively participate in the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR and to benefit from an inclusive social protection system on an equal basis with others.

The policy dialogue identified the need for greater collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders to address the challenges and take tangible actions of disability inclusive social protection. Action plans will be developed by the government to work with development partners to improve the social protection systems and services so persons with disabilities are not left behind.

This year’s ADPD was technically and financially supported by the USAID Okard Project.