How can we make life better for disabled people?
Since July 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has been helping the Ministry of Health and Welfare collect information and report on what Taiwan has achieved in terms of promoting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
For its part, in the second half of 2018, MOFA published online profiles of outstanding disabled people, invited disabled calligraphers to demonstrate their art at a MOFA garden party for the diplomatic corps, and subsidized a group of disabled musicians in joining a concert tour in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the attendance of disabled artists at an awards ceremony in Russia. MOFA also bought products for the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as stationery, bags, and Lunar New Year greeting cards, from foundations promoting disabled employment. As these actions show, MOFA is keen to ensure that disabled people enjoy the same opportunities in their life and work as everybody else.
The government of Taiwan began to formally implement the CRPD in 2014. The convention is underpinned by eight guiding principles: (1) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons; (2) non-discrimination; (3) full and effective participation and inclusion in society; (4) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; (5) equality of opportunity; (6) accessibility; (7) equality between men and women; and (8) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
In 2017, MOFA distributed Taiwan's initial CRPD national report to its overseas Missions and Embassies, and to other countries' Representative Offices in Taiwan. This has helped the international community understand Taiwan's efforts to protect the rights of disabled people.
#Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
#8 Guiding Principles of the CRPD
#The Initial CRPD National Report
#Human Rights Diplomacy