Pacific DPOs to Discuss Progress on International Disability Convention
The Pacific Regional Conference on Disability that will be held on the 5th and 6th of April 2011 at the Waipuna Hotel,
Auckland, New Zealand will bring together more than 100 representatives from Disability Peoples Organisations (DPOs)
from around the Pacific including Australia and New Zealand to share information on the advocacy on the Convention on
the Rights of People with Disability (CRPD).
With a theme of “Promoting Actions on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Pacific Region”,
the Pacific Disability Forum, Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) Mr. Setareki Macanawai said
the conference will provide an opportunity for DPOs in the Pacific to reflect and anticipate their future plans on the
International Convention.
“This will be an ideal opportunity for DPOs in the region to effectively discuss their perception and action toward the
CRDP and more important discuss ways forward on promoting actions on the Convention in the Pacific.” said Mr. Macanawai.
The participants will have a opportunity to discuss their perspectives on ratifying, implementing, monitoring and
reporting on the CRPD in the Pacific, working together in partnership towards the ratification, implementation and
monitoring of the CRPD, discussing the Role of Human Rights Institutions and advancing inclusive education in the
Pacific.
Mr. Macanawai said the conference will provide an opportunity for representatives of Pacific Disabled Persons
Organisation (DPO), government representatives, development partners, people with disabilities and other interested
parties to come together to share and learned from each other’s experiences.
The 2 day conference which is organised by the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) will officially opened by the New Zealand
Minister for Disability, Honourable Tariana Turia, Minister for Disability Issues, Government of New Zealand and will be
official closed by the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Island Affairs, Government
of Australia
PDF will also utilise this opportunity to build Pacific DPO organisational development through sharing of good practice,
leadership development and advocacy opportunities and contribute to the strategic planning and organisational
development of PDF through its Regional Women’s Forum which will be held on the 4th April and the PDF Council and
General Members meeting on the 7th April in the same venue.
PDF’s 2nd biannual General/Council meeting is the premier forum for reviewing, assessing and discussing the current
statues of disability issues in the Pacific.
ENDS