A policy document on Disability in Nepal

Ref: DHRC( Disabled Human Rights Centre of Nepal ) as part of a European funded project.

This is a much more recent document ( ? within the last 5 years), based on some research. It basically outlines what I have written in the previous blog and presents positive steps forward to address the needs of disabled people in Nepal by : inclusive education, access to health, concessions on transport and at least 2 beds being allocated for disabled persons in Government hospitals, provision of rehabilitation, tax relief for employers who employ people with disability and a way forward - a framework for future development . ( This is not mandatory)

It is important before 'judging' the situation for disabled people in Nepal to consider the political and social context.

Political context

Nepal first achieved democracy in 1990. However, the benefits of democracy did not reach the vast masses of the population particularly in rural areas, a fact which led to the Maoists insurgency which began in 1996. In 2004 the fragile beginnings of democracy were clamped down by a royal take over with the king resuming absolute power. It is only very recently, in April 2006, that the people have won back their democratic rights. It is too early yet to say how successful this reclaimed democracy will be but hopes are high. One factor which is very important for this paper is the active role which disabled people played in demonstrating against royal autocracy. They clearly showed that they recognised that disability rights rested upon restoration of democratic rights and they, along with so many other Nepali people, gained political confidence and stature during the events of 2006 thus creating a positive context for the development of rights based disability policy.

Social context.
Family Attitudes and Support. Family structures are still very strong in Nepal. In many ways this provides a structure of support for disabled people within the family which can at times be lacking in the West. However, there are also instances where extreme poverty combined with lack of awareness about the potential of disabled people can lead both to over protection and at times to abusive and discriminating treatment. Western commentators are often quick to blame such behaviour on traditional and unenlightened beliefs. However, it is important to continually bear in mind the effects which extreme poverty has in creating a negative environment for disabled people. For example, a recent article in a Nepali newspaper described a village family who had resorted to physically restraining their adult son who had mental health difficulties. The family said that he had, for a period of time, received appropriate medication which had greatly improved his situation. However, when the medication ended they were unable to afford to repeat the subscription hence his behaviour had greatly deteriorated.