The Australian Government has signed an agreement with the Papua New Guinea Assembly of Disabled Persons (PNGADP) that will ensure the mainstreaming of disability-inclusive approaches across the Australian funded Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP).
ESIP implements infrastructure and energy projects across health, energy, education, markets, water sanitation and hygiene, rural development, and climate change.
Under this agreement, relevant programs will benefit from disability inclusive infrastructure designed in collaboration with people with disabilities, the people who rely on these initiatives every day.
In addition, organisations led by people with disability are encouraged to identify and advocate on issues and collaborate on the development of a national advocacy strategy for people with disability.
PNG’s National Disability Policy 2015 – 2025 outlines the significant role organisations led by people with disabilities play in ensuring equitable and sustainable development for all people in PNG.
As party to the 2007 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Australian Government is dedicated to supporting PNG to implement their policy and reduce barriers in PNG that prevent equitable access to opportunities for people with disability.
PNGADP is led by people with disabilities, and works to advocate for rights, educate and train government, private sector and NGO representatives across PNG, and provide technical assistance to shape activities aimed at inclusive development.
An Australian High Commission representative said: “Australia is proud to work with organisations like PNGADP through our development programs, and we recognise the crucial role organisations led by people with disabilities play in creating an equitable environment for everyone.”
Representatives from the PNGADP and Australian High Commission signed the agreement on Tuesday 20 September in Port Moresby.
The PNG-Australia Partnership is committed to advancing the rights of people with disabilities through equitable access to opportunities and is proud to work in partnership with PNGADP to ensure no one is left behind.