State of the Pacific 2024 - Disability, Equity and Rights

Panel Convenor: Lee Brentnall, PhD Candidate, ANU
Day: 4 September 2024
Time: 10.15-11.45am
People with disabilities in the Pacific region are more vulnerable to the impacts and challenges of climate change, health security and social inequities such as gender inequality, and are often excluded in work on
disaster response, education and health planning. With most Pacific Island Forum countries ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, each nation has a responsibility to
ensure the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities with respect to working towards national and regional priorities and agendas. This panel will highlight some important disability inclusion and equity research initiatives in the Pacific region; and considerations of the cross sectoral collaboration required to ensure access, equity and the practical realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure sustainable, safe and healthy futures for all in the Pacific.
• Almah Kuambu, Technical Adviser, National Orthotics and Prosthetics Services, National Department of Health, PNG
• Tabaia Iakobwa, Office Manager, Te Toa Matoa, Kiribati
• Faatino Utumapu, Manager, Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA), Samoa
• Kevin Akike, Director - Technical Assistance, National Capital District DiffAbilities Advocacy Agency, PNG