5 September 2008
Australia supports People with Disabilities in Laos
The Australian Government has committed $150,000 to improve the protection and promotion of rights of people with disabilities in Laos, under a two year project managed by the Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA). Representatives of seven ministries involved in the project gathered at the Lao Women’s Union Training Centre on Friday 5 September for the project launch.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Dr Michele Forster, said “The Australian Government recognises that poverty is both a cause and consequence of disability and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who are most excluded. People with disabilities have been identified as a priority for Australia's development cooperation program. The Australian Government’s first Disability Strategy for its overseas aid program is being developed in 2008”.
“In the meantime, the Australian Government is pleased to be able to support the work of the Lao Disabled People’s Association under the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme (HRSGS). This project will augment the Lao Government’s efforts to provide disabled people with more opportunities to improve their living conditions and to contribute to Laos’ economic and social development”, she said.
The meeting was the first of 33 workshops and seven training courses on human and disability rights for officers from seven government ministries. Education kits and training videos will also be produced under the project.
The Australian Government has been a long-standing supporter of practical human rights initiatives in Laos and the region. The LDPA is one of 18 grassroots associations in the Asia Pacific region to receive a total of more than $1.1 million dollars in funding from the Australian government in 2008 under the HRSGS.
In 2007, the Australian Government supported the LDPA to conduct a series of disability rights education and training workshops and to produce related materials, including a series of award winning documentary films created by Lao people with disabilities. The Australian Government has also supported the placement of several Australian volunteers to assist the LDPA, and has funded the purchase of assistive devices for Lao people with disabilities under the Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program.