The first Steering Committee discussions program for Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) has decided to develop working guidelines for the DIDRR committee.
Likewise, the program decided to establish membership rules, ensure the sustainability of the group and conduct advocacy with various organizations like Nepal Electricity Authority to ensure accessible and disable friendly infrastructure.
The program was coordinated by Atullya Foundation Pvt. Ltd. with technical assistance from Action on Disability Rights and Development ADRAD on Thursday in Kathmandu.
Dr. Birendra Raj Pokharel, Chairperson of Action on Disability Rights and Development (ADRAD), highlighted the need for the advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities during the time of disaster.
He presented the Terms of Reference ToR for the group and how the group would technically support all activities happening in DIDRR.
This committee will be an autonomous body that will be chaired by members of the committee who work on DIDRR issues. The members will ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are being upheld in DRR.
Likewise, Pallav Pant, Chairperson of Atullya Foundation, shed light on how this committee was formed during the development of the DIDRR Guideline, looking at the need for a network of individuals to work in DIDRR, climate change adaptation and private sector engagement.
He added upon the necessity for the sustainability of the group and all organization should take the initiative to host meetings regularly.
Raju Thapa, Acting Chair of Disaster Preparedness Network- Nepal (DPNet-Nepal), highlighted how there have been major investments in the nation by different agencies however, there is a lack of attention towards DIDRR. He stressed the need to be advocacy for the development happening in the nation, to ensure the accessibility of public infrastructures.
Krishna Gautam, National Federation of Disabled Nepal ( NFDN ) representative highlights the need for DIDRR guidelines and requests all Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders to unite together for meaningful and result-oriented advocacy.
