Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Twenty-second session
26 August–20 September 2019
Item 5 of the provisional agenda
C onsideration of reports submitted by parties to the Convention under article 35
List of issues in relation to the initial report of Myanmar
Addendum
Replies of Myanmar to the list of issues *
[Date received: 23 August 2019]
Reply to paragraph 1 of the list of issues
1.In order to repeal the Lunacy Act, Union Attorney General Office will provide necessary advice when the draft law was submitted by the line ministry.
2.According to the Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar, the Lunacy Act works in conjunction with the Criminal Act. It is not possible to repeal the Lunacy Act until Myanmar has adopted and ratified the Mental Health Care Act. Following the adoption and ratification of the Mental Health Care Act, the Lunacy Act can be repealed. The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law includes the chapter related to equal human rights and fundamental freedom of persons with disabilities. Article (8) to (19) of the chapter ensures the equality and fundamental rights of persons with mental disabilities.
3.Article 39 and 40 of chapter (11) in draft mental care law also includes entitlements and rights of persons with mental disability.
4.The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law provides the following definitions:
•Persons with Disabilities means a person who suffers environmental or attitudinal barriers due to their long-term physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, mental, and/or sensual impairments by birth or after birth;
•Disability means the limited participation of an individual with physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, mental, and/or sensual impairments in the society where they encounter environmental, attitudinal and other form of barriers.
5.The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law provides the following definitions:
•Organization of persons with disabilities means the organization organized and controlled by persons with disabilities either based on different types of disabilities or type of disability;
•Myanmar federation of persons with disabilities means the federation organizing with representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities and representatives with disabilities who are not the members of organizations of persons with disabilities;
•Organization for persons with disabilities means the international or local organization established with the aim to carry out the rights and interests of the persons with disabilities;
•National committee means the National Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities formed under this Law;
•State or region committee means the State or Region level Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities formed under this Law;
•Provide information about the plan of action to implement the 2015 Disability Law in practice.
6.The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law (2015) was enacted in line with the UNCRPD. In order to implement the Law, the Bylaws were adopted in 2017.
7.To take effective measures on the Law and Bylaws, the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities chaired by Vice President was formed in 2017. The National Committee includes Representatives from relevant Union Ministries, representative from Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, Selected Representatives with Different Types of Disabilities, Selected Representative from Non-Governmental Welfare Organizations, Selected Volunteers, Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities. As of August, there were four National Committee meetings organized and it is now cooperating with relevant organizations to implement resolutions adopted through National Committee meetings.
8.In order to implement the development and rights of persons with disabilities at all levels, it is in a process of developing the formation of State, Region and Union Territory level committees chaired by Chief Ministers and their responsibilities.
9.To achieve the duties of National Committee, the Working Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities chaired by the Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement was formed, and working committee meetings were held three times so far. It is now planning to implement the resolutions decided by the working committee meetings.
10.To ensure sector wide implementation for the rights of persons with disabilities, it is processing to form 8 sub-committees namely education sub-committee, health sub-committee, employment sub-committee, research sub-committee, monitoring and evaluation sub-committee, women and children with disabilities sub-committee, information and communication technology sub-committee, natural disasters and other emergency situations sub-committee.
11.In addition, Myanmar National Development Strategy for Persons with Disabilities (2020–2025), five-year project, is being developed based on ASEAN Enabling Masterplan (2025) to effectively implement the Law. The strategy is also compliance with Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan and UNCRPD. Strategy include six priority areas related to education, health, employment, social protection, accessibility, natural disasters and emergency situations. Also, it contains cross cutting sectors such as advocacy and communication.
12.Depending on the budget allocation, the Ministry of Health and Sports is providing essential medicine and medical equipment to all government hospitals. These hospitals are providing free medical services for people including persons with disability. Most of the healthcare services providing in the government hospitals are free of charge, especially for those who need emergency care.
13.The Department of Medical Services has been working on upgrading the government hospitals to disability friendly hospitals and the hospitals are mandated to give priority treatment to people with disability, and senior citizens. Dissemination of such information to public has been conducted widely through media.
14.To assist the disability registration process, the disability certification and grading committee was formed, and the committee has carried out its work accordingly.
15.To support the needs of people with disability, the 100- bedded national rehabilitation hospital in Yangon is providing the medical treatment, physiotherapy, prosthesis and orthotics. Moreover, the medico-social workers are providing necessary support for the social needs of PWD.
16.Apart from the 100 – bedded national rehabilitation hospital in Yangon, the orthopaedic hospital, Mandalay, the Keng Tung General Hospital and the Myitkyina General Hospitals are also providing prosthesis and orthotics.
17.To support the child with special needs, the Yangon Children Hospital has established the child development center in September, 2017.
Reply to paragraph 2 of the list of issues
18.Article 77 of the right of Persons with Disabilities Law (2015) states equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities as follows:
•Article (77). No one:
•Shall not wilfully discriminate, neglect and oppress the persons with disabilities on the basis of disability;
•Shall not extreme violence, abuse and forced labor to persons with disabilities;
•Shall not exploit the persons with disabilities for personal profit.
19.Article (82) states that whoever commits any prohibition contained in Section 77 shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with fine which may not exceed to 15 lakh kyats or with both.
20.Also, article (12) indicates that persons with disabilities shall, irrespective of race, birth, religion, official position, status, culture, man, woman, rich, poor, disability, have the following rights:
•To be equal before the law;
•To be given equal opportunities with the others.
Reply to paragraph 3 of the list of issues
21.The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law mentions objective related to women with disabilities as follows:
“to protect persons with disabilities especially women and children with disabilities from abuse and exploitation including different types of extreme violence and domestic violence”.
22.According to the law, the National Committee has duties among others to take effective protection measures for persons with disabilities in particular women and children with disabilities.
23.Moreover, article (17) of chapter (4), Equal Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom of Persons with Disabilities of the Law states below:
“Women with disabilities:
(a)Shall have the right to participate in decision making process of the society and the right to enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms including the right to health, education, and business;
(b)Shall have the right participation in activities and programmes aims for the persons with disabilities on an equal basis with men with disabilities;
(c)Shall have the right to participate in and entitle from every programme dedicated for the women;
(d)The right to be protected from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination including different types of extreme violence and domestic violence.”
24.Under Working Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the formation of women and children with disabilities sub-committee is being developed. After the completion of necessary internal procedure, measures will be taken to eliminate multiple and intersectional discrimination of women with disabilities especially those belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, in all spheres of their life including education, employment and health with the technical and financial supports from UNICEF.
Reply to paragraph 4 of the list of issues
25.In 2017, Department of Social Welfare (DSW) provided for Child Friendly Spaces (CFS)within the communities especially for conflict areas and crisis situation with rapid needs assessment. CFS are one of the DSW’s key implementation to protect children from physical harm and psychosocial distress and to help them continue learning and developing both during and immediately after and emergency. The objective of CFS are to offer children opportunities to develop, play and build/strengthen resiliency after an emergency or crisis and to identify and find ways to respond to particular threats to all children and specific groups of children, such as those with particular vulnerabilities after the emergency or crisis.
26.The Right of Persons with Disabilities Law mentions objective related to children with disabilities as follows:
“to protect persons with disabilities especially women and children with disabilities from abuse and exploitation including different types of extreme violence and domestic violence.”
27.A duty of National Committee is planning effective protection measures for persons with disabilities in particular women and children with disabilities.
28.Moreover, article (16) of chapter (4), Equal Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom of Persons with Disabilities of the Law states as follows:
“Children with disabilities:
(a)Have fundamental freedoms including the right to life, child right, freedom of speech, religion on an equal basis with children without disabilities;
(b)Have the right to enjoy all rights contains in the Child Law on an equal basis with children without disabilities;
(c)The right to decide by parent or guardian especially children with intellectual disabilities, having inability of self-decision making;
(d)The right to be protected from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination including different types of extreme violence and domestic violence.”
29.Under Working Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the formation of women and children with disabilities sub-committee is being developed. After the completion of necessary internal procedure, measures will be taken to eliminate multiple and intersectional discrimination of women with disabilities especially those belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, in all spheres of their life including education, employment and health with the technical and financial supports from UNICEF.
30.To repeal the Child Law (1993), the Rights of Child Law was enacted on 23rd July, 2019. The law includes on chapter for the children with disabilities to ensure children with disabilities have the same rights.
31.Department of Social Welfare operates (8) Training Schools for persons with disabilities. School for children with disabilities (Yangon) increased its capacity to care for children with intellectual disability from 150 to 250. From 2015 to 2019, six trainings of trainers have been organized and 180 participants took part. Also, 17 basic teacher trainings were conducted at States and Regions for 1169 participants who are special need child care teachers. Case Managers from Department of Social Welfare are also caring children with disabilities for required psychological and physical supports.
Reply to paragraph 5 of the list of issues
32.In order to raise the awareness about disability and persons with disabilities, Department of Rehabilitation is undertaking printing and distribution of law and bylaws, pamphlets, posters in each fiscal year.
33.The Department organized events to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Union Territory, State and Region levels annually, as well as community participation and mobility programme, training on caring persons with disabilities in natural disasters and emergency situations, caring persons with disabilities training for community members, training for education staffs to understand specific needs by each type of disability and to provide ease of access for student with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 6 (a) of the list of issues
34.According to the report of Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Activities (28-5-2018 to 5-6-2018), Myanmar got 83.33% as the effective implementation in the aspect of Facilitation. At the moment, access for PWDs to transportation is being implemented in line with the standards and recommended practices of ICAO’s Annex 9 – Facilitation and also is described in draft National Air Transport Facilitation Programme.
35.Myanmar Railways have been providing the necessary services to PWDs passengers daily.
36.IWT crews, in each branch of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department help persons with disabilities who are traveling by public transport vessels, for their convenience and to ensure of embark and debark and onboard along the trip.
37.IWT crews help disabled persons who are traveling by Pansodan – Dala ferry Service of Delta Division, for their convenience and to ensure of embark and debark using by wheelchair (4) sets and stretcher (2) sets which are donated by Civil Society and well-wishers.
38.Similar services are also provided at other means of public transportation. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is focal point for transportation services.
39.Department of Rehabilitation is cooperating with Ministry of Construction to build accessible environments for persons with disabilities at Myoma market and water fountain park in Nay Pyi Taw for ensuring persons with disabilities enjoys public places.
Reply to paragraph 6 (b) of the list of issues
40.Universal Service Strategy includes a special programme to provide tools for persons with disabilities to better use communications services.
41.In cooperation with NIPPON Foundation, Department of Social Welfare manages Information Communication Technology Training Centre in Yangon through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Since 2018 (3) trainings have been conducted and benefited 45 trainees with disabilities.
42.For visually impaired persons, basic and advance computer trainings are organized annually. 20 visually impaired persons attend each training.
43.Vocational training on ICT is conducted at vocational training school for adults with disabilities in Yangon. The capacity of training school was extended to 100 trainees.
Reply to paragraph 7 of the list of issues
44.In DNA mobile application, the dos and don’ts with audio file, video file, and pictures concerned with natural disasters such as fire, flood, storm, drought, thunder lighting stroke, earth-quake, Tsunami, land slide are already included. So, the disabled can easily get the knowledge how to manage the disaster.
45.In future, related activities will be implemented through the cooperation of the respective departments, State and Regional governments.
Reply to paragraph 8 (a) of the list of issues
46.Union Attorney General Office will provide necessary advice when the focal ministry submitted draft law to eliminate the concepts of criminal lunatic or lunatics. Regarding self-determination and legal supports, the Right of Persons with Disabilities Law states the persons with disabilities have the right to claim necessary accommodations at the court based on type of disability regarding the right to sue, defend, and to be a witness.
47.Article 2 (b) of Legal Aid Law (2016) mentions the persons with disabilities can seek legal aid. Legal aid bodies were formed at Union level, States and Regions level, self-administered division or self-administered zone or district level and township level.
Reply to paragraph 8 (b) of the list of issues
48.The following are being implemented:
•Cooperation Works between General Administration Department and Township Level Police Force;
•Linkage to access to Health Care Facilities and Medical Examination;
•Family Counselling;
•Provide Habitation and Rehabilitation.
49.However, in court, victims with Sexual violence who have low education or illiterate face difficulties on answering the questions from lawyers and those with auditory impairment have difficulty understanding, sign language is provided.
Reply to paragraph 8 (c) of the list of issues
50.Necessary measures will be taken.
Reply to paragraph 9 of the list of issues
51.On 30 and 31 July 2019, the Department of Rehabilitation (DoR) of Myanmar, VSO and Department for International Development (DfID) of UK jointly organized a workshop on the Access to Justice for People with Disabilities (PWDs).
52.The purpose of the workshop is to raise awareness and understanding of the barriers to access to justice for PWDS, with a focus on women with disabilities on the second day, and to identify practical actions that can be taken to address these barriers.
53.The workshop was also seen as a useful first step to build strategic partnerships, collaboration and linkages in delivering access to justice for PWDs in Myanmar and more broadly contribute to progress the Government’s obligations under the CRPD.
54.People attended the workshop with representation from justice sector personnel, Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), international and national organizations. This representation enabled the sharing of a range of views as well learning more about what agencies are currently doing, what is working well and areas of opportunities to build on and/or improve on.
55.The barriers to access to justice for PWDs identified by participants are common across many countries, so this provides an opportunity to identify and contextualize international best practice to overcome these barriers to the Myanmar context as well build on national approaches and initiatives that are working well.
Reply to paragraph 10 (a) of the list of issues
56.The Mental Health Care Act has been drafted. In Chapter (8), article (28) to (31) under the title of Health Care and Research, those who are diagnosed with mental health impairment is ensure that any medical treatment is based on the free and informed consent of the individual concerned in terms of getting treatment and care.
Reply to paragraph 10 (b) of the list of issues
57.Chapter (6) of draft mental health Care Act, ensures the liberty and security of the person accordance with Law and that also ensures the average duration of stay of PWDs and forced treatment to be taken in accordance with Law.
Reply to paragraph 11 (a) of the list of issues
58.While the disabled, aged and sick prisoners are taking a bath, they are separately arranged without mixing others.
59.Since 2018 mini budget, ordinary toilets and toilet seats which are convenient for the aged are being built at permitted prisoner wards. Four toilet seats which are convenient for the aged build in upstairs and downstairs when new two-storey ward build for 200 prisoners. When new toilets are permitted to build, toilet seats which are convenient for the aged are also build.
60.The septic chairs are provided in some prisons where do not have the place to build the toilets which are convenient for the aged. However, security shall be taken into consideration because those septic chairs can be used as weapon at the time of chaos. Not only for prisoners but also for security are considered everywhere.
Reply to paragraph 11 (b) of the list of issues
61.The disabled, aged and sick prisoners are not assigned to do prison works and are allowed to do physical exercises and read books from library.
62.If they do not break the discipline of prison, they are allowed to enjoy the remission like others.
63.Foods and drinks (Meals) are distributed to them separately and do not need to take queue with other prisoners.
64.As there is difficulty to converse in visiting time, they are allowed to meet more than the specific time. If necessary, they are allowed to meet separately.
65.Artificial legs were fixed for 9 prisoners by cooperating with ICRC.
66.For most of disabled, aged and sick prisoners, the programs such as giving the separate time to take a bath, building toilets, railing as well as providing substituted chairs to be convenient in toilets are being conducted.
Reply to paragraph 12 (a) of the list of issues
67.Department of Social Welfare trained and assigned case managers to provide following assistances for the victims of child rape cases and rape cases above 16 years of age:
•Arranging temporary shelters;
•Providing linkages to health care;
•Providing linkages to legal aids;
•Providing psycho-social supports.
Reply to paragraph 12 (b) of the list of issues
68.100,000 kyats as legal aid and maximum of 500,000 kyats for rehabilitation process is provided based on the needs.
69.Besides, necessary sign language support services are provided in case of hearing disabilities for investigation and legal processes.
Reply to paragraph 12 (c) of the list of issues
70.Department of Social Welfare has established hot lines to ensure persons with disabilities have access to address exploitation, violence and abuse by informing relevant organizations.
Reply to paragraph 13 of the list of issues
71.Necessary measures are being planned based on the procedures.
Reply to paragraph 14 of the list of issues
72.There is no prescribed Law in the failure of Citizenship for disabilities due to be unreasonableness or disablement.
73.Have the rights to hold the respective Certificates for the residents according to 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law. All have the equal treatment under the law.
74.Birth certificates written as “this certificate cannot be identified as Citizen” are being issued to the children born within and outside of the country, by the Ministry of Health and Sports.
75.All People who are classified by their citizenship status and have the equal rights with non-discrimination of ethnic or religion in the territory and the task of issuance are being conducted due to their citizenship status and birth by the prescribed Myanmar Citizenship Law and Birth registration.
Reply to paragraph 15 of the list of issues
76.Through close cooperation with Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities, the branches of Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities are forming. In future, district and township level branches will be formed.
Reply to paragraph 16 of the list of issues
77.Department of Rehabilitation is working together with disabled people organizations in assisting assistive devices and conducting technical discussions.
Reply to paragraph 17 (a) of the list of issues
78.Myanmar Radio and Television presents a major role in modelling the public perception of disability such as the news, programmes, documentary, article, radio drama, feature, special talk, interview, slogan and public service announcements.
79.And Myanmar radio have very specific programme like ‘never ending diary’, related to the disability community, with a specific emphasis on competitive employment for persons with disabilities.
80.Myanmar radio provides critical coverage of disability issues and the voices of people who live with disabilities twice a week.
Reply to paragraph 17 (b) of the list of issues
81.Department of Social Welfare is providing trainings in cooperating with organizations and experts from international and local organizations.
Reply to paragraph 18 of the list of issues
82.Consultative Workshops on Standardized Sign Language was conducted in cooperation with Deaf associations and private deaf schools in 2018 for 3 times and 395 signs were identified.
83.To ensure access to information by deaf people, sign language interpretations were aired through television channels. In addition, the Right of Persons with Disabilities Law, related bylaws and CEDAW were produced with sign language interpretation video.
84.Sign language interpretation services are provided for the deaf people who are engaging with justice issues.
Reply to paragraph 19 of the list of issues
85.To provide necessary services, Department of Rehabilitation is negotiating with organizations of/for persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 20 (a) of the list of issues
86.The Department of Basic Education is implementing the quality of inclusive basic education to ensure that every school-age child without any discrimination of primary education in 2012–2013 academic year, free secondary level education in 2013–2014, free education for all levels of basic education in 2014–2015 academic year.
87.Allocated stipend for (1296) children with disabilities in 2018–2019 academic year to ensure access to education.
88.According to National Education Law, the disabilities are guaranteed to access the education by the articles and the government is implementing that articles.
Reply to paragraph 20 (b) of the list of issues
89.To strengthen the access, quality and inclusion in Basic Education sector in line with National Education Strategic Plan (2016–2021) and Strategy that mentioned about “support compulsory and primary education” and according to that (a) strengthening compulsory education (pilot), (b) supporting at-risk students for equitable access to basic education, (c) promote access for children with special education needs are implemented.
90.The Department of Basic Education implemented inclusive education, based on the policies that no discrimination, no one left behind and no drop-out. The Department of Basic Education was held seminar on inclusive education for developing common understanding on inclusive education and disability inclusion in Myanmar and getting recommendation which could inform the national plan to mainstream rights of persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 20 (c) of the list of issues
91.Undertaking education awareness activities in order to remove negative attitudes, require cognition and increased knowledge for education sector development partners, teachers and community organizations, in the role of education to help disabilities related educational needs.
92.The Department of Basic Education has already been input depending on the type of disability, Construction of school buildings in accordance with Myanmar construction guideline to be barrier free for children with disabilities adaptation.
93.School Quality Assurance Standards Framework (SQASF) includes children with disabilities in inclusive education representing coverage standards.
94.Since 2016–2017 academic year, Myanmar changed the new basic education system and the social inclusion in the newly published text books.
95.The new curriculum is developing according to new education system K+5+4+3. Flexible learning activities, group works and lessons learnt to a great encouragement to disabilities are already described with the activities of disabled children for inclusion.
Reply to paragraph 21 (a) of the list of issues
96.Services are provided in accordance with the procedures and ethics of the Ministry of Health and Sports.
Reply to paragraph 21 (b) of the list of issues
97.Ministry of Health and Sports is sending representatives to participate in rights of persons with disabilities trainings organizes by Department of Social Welfare and Department of Rehabilitation.
Reply to paragraph 22 of the list of issues
98.Provision of prevention and rehabilitation is implemented through Home-visit activities according to WHO criteria.
99.Support and assist in enquiry and screening of disabled persons, also in providing assistive devices.
100.Rehabilitation, medical care, social living and equality of assistive devices were improved.
101.Safe and Barrier Free Model Township development project has been established in Pindaya township in (2018–2019).
102.In line with the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy adopted in 2014, early childhood intervention services strategy for under 5 years aged children was laid down in cooperation with relevant organizations.
103.The illustration of Ages and Stages Questionnaires-3 and Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social Emotional- 2 were revised and it is being used in the pilot activities.
104.Parenting picture book on child development was developed in cooperation with the groups of ethnic literature and culture. It was used in (3) times of pre-service trainings.
105.The pamphlets and posters on ECI introduction and child development have been in the process for publishing.
106.Total 211 numbers of voluntary workers which meet the required standards from the pilot areas as the pilot training on development assessment for voluntary workers were trained.
107.In order to provide the ECI pilot services, the one-month training was conducted (3) times in 2018–2019 fiscal year for the pilot areas of Yangon, Ayeyarwaddy, Sagaing Region and Mon State. It has been provided for home based service providers, technicians and supervisors from each pilot areas.
108.In 2018–2019 fiscal year, there are (7) pilot areas in Yangon Region, East Dagon Tsp, Shantekyi village, Ayawaddy Region, Pathein Tsp, Quarter (1) and Kankyitaung Tsp, Darka village, Sagaing Region, Monywa Tsp, Nandawon Quarter and Sangoo Tsp, Ngalontin village, Mon State, Thahton Tsp, Latin Quarter and Paung Tsp, Ahlat village.
Reply to paragraph 23 (a) of the list of issues
109.To ensure the right of persons with disabilities and to adopt the appropriate, 8 Sub Committees including the sub national committee on employment opportunities for person with disabilities are formed under the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
110.According to the labour Law, there is no discrimination in employment process in the Labour Laws undertaken by Department of Labour.
Reply to paragraph 23 (b) of the list of issues
111.To create job opportunities for persons with disabilities, the responsible senior officials from both Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement discussed about departmental issues while conducting Mobile Vocational Training under the supervision of Ministry of Industry on 11, June 2019. In accordance with outcome of discussion, Ministry of Industry will conduct the following three Mobile Vocational Trainings to promote work and employment for persons with disabilities in the fiscal year 2019–2020:
(a)Basic Electrical Course;
(b)Basic Welding Course, and
(c)Small Farm Engine and Motorcycle maintenance and Repairing Course.
112.By conducting the abovementioned training, persons with disabilities would enjoy reasonable accommodation in work and employment, employment promotion and affirmative actions for them in the public and private sectors.
Reply to paragraph 24 of the list of issues
113.Cash 30000 Kyats per person with disability, as a part of social protection programme, have been provided since 2017–2018 fiscal year. It has now provided total cash, 4803.62 million kyats for 120692 persons with disabilities.
114.Bringing about Disability classification and registration system is one of the crucial tasks of the Government. The system will enable education, health, employment, economic, social protection, social participation, sport and leisure activities, mobility and disability statistics. In addition, it will provide to achieve the provisions state in the Law and Bylaws.
115.Currently, the questionnaires from birth to over 18 years of age, process to get registration card, finance and human resource needed for pilot areas, potential challenges, way forward were developed and discussed in collaboration with UNICEF.
116.Disability classification will be undertaking with 3 tiers. Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is undertaking to develop the questionnaires for 1st tier.
117.Ministry of Health and Sport has formed the committee on disability classification in order to undertake 2nd and 3rd tiers.
Reply to paragraph 25 (a) of the list of issues
118.Considering PWDs, the UEC has modified and amended by-law; rule 2 (i), 5, 6, 18, 39 (a), 42 (b) and 5 1 (b) (2).
Reply to paragraph 25 (b) of the list of issues
119.In Pillar (5) Public and Voter Education of UEC Strategic Plan (2019–2022), it designs for women, youths, ethnic groups and PWDs to enhance public awareness of electoral process and increase all participation through coordinated and effective civic and voter education. Pillar (8) Promotion of Inclusive Participation of UEC Strategic Plan (2019–2020) drafted and aimed to ensure full participation and equal opportunity for all genders, ethnic groups, youths and PWDs all levels of UEC and sub-commissions, including decision-making levels, leading to greater diversity and inclusion by removing barriers and discrimination throughout the electoral process.
Reply to paragraph 25 (c) of the list of issues
120.The PWDs plays one of the most important roles in development process of Myanmar. The Union Election Commission (UEC) is making efforts to promote the participation of PWDs in politics and voting. Regards with PWDs, UEC will also support to raise public awareness for 2020 General Elections and beyond.
Reply to paragraph 26 (a) of the list of issues
121.There will be coordination between concerned ministries and organizations of persons with disabilities to ensure persons with disabilities have participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport.
Reply to paragraph 26 (b) of the list of issues
122.Necessary coordination will be undertaken with concern ministries and organizations.
Reply to paragraph 27 of the list of issues
123.In 2015, Myanmar Labour Force, Child Labour and School-to-Work Transition Survey, Department of Labour conducted 6 questions about disability situation of household members aged 5 years and above.
124.Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population conducted National Census in 2014. After dissemination of Census, the Ministry also produced thematic report on disability.
125.Department of Social Welfare conducted Situational Analysis of Children with Disabilities in 2016 with the support from UNICEF.
126.Department of Rehabilitation is planning to collect update disability statistics in terms of national disability survey with technical inputs from Voluntary Service Overseas and organizations of persons with disabilities.
Reply to paragraph 28 of the list of issues
127.Myanmar cooperates with ASEAN countries and Asia-Pacific countries in fulfilling the rights and development of persons with disabilities.
128.Myanmar participated in 1st Global Disability Summit in 2018 with the support from Department for International Development to achieve 2030 Agenda.
129.Myanmar also attended 2nd Global Disability Summit in Argentina with the support from UNICEF (Myanmar).
Reply to paragraph 29 of the list of issues
130.MNHRC already submitted the report after consultation with Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities.