Kathmandu, July 5:

Disabled persons today suggested that the interim statute drafting committee address their rights issues and adopt disabled-friendly policies to protect and promote their participation in the state mechanism.

At an interaction titled ‘Place of Disabled in Interim Statute’ organised by the Nepal Janajagarna Apang Sangh (NJAS), disabled people, civil society members, human rights activists and MPs urged the state to make the life of the disabled respectful, financially independent and free.

The NJAS has proposed a draft that recommends the state provide free health and education, unemployment allowances and physical and cultural development opportunities to the disabled. The draft says: “Misbehaviour with the people with disabilities should be considered a serious crime.”

Regarding the state’s policy, the draft says: “The disabled should be given priority in domestic and foreign employment.”

Harihar Dahal, a member of the interim statute drafting committee, said: “The committee is trying to make the interim statute better with participatory approach.” He said the committee is working to protect the achievement of the 1990 movement, realising the spirit of Jana Andolan II and taking into account the views of the seven political parties and the Maoists.”

He suggested the disabled submit memorandums to the seven parties and the Maoists to make them aware of the issues that need to be addressed in the interim statute.

Birendra Raj Pokharel, president of the National Federation of Disabled-Nepal, said there should be representation of the disabled in the interim statue drafting panel and constituent assembly.