HRCM calls on govt. to increase disability allowance

Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has called on the Maldivian government to increase the financial allowance provided to people with disabilities.

In a statement on occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities this Thursday, HRCM expressed concern over the financial allowance currently provided by the State for people with disabilities, stating that the allowance is not sufficient in covering basic needs.

“As the financial allowance provided to people with disabilities is not sufficient in meeting their basic needs, the Commission emphasizes the need to raise the allowance to a level that would help them live a dignified life,” said HRCM.

The HRCM also expressed concern over the delay in compiling a national database on persons with disabilities, which was required to be complied within six months the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Provision of Financial Assistance Act took effect.

HRCM called for urgent action by relevant authorities to compile the database.

HRCM referred to a report by the United Nations on addressing the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 on Maldives, which states that persons with disabilities face challenges in accessing public information, and as a result, are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Hence, it is imperative to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, increase their participation in decision making and establish a system to facilitate easy access to public services and information,” said the commission.

HRCM also called on the government to ensure the rights of the people in the Home for People with Special Needs (HPSN) located in K. Guraidhoo and implement recommendations for improvement of the facility, ensure accessibility in travel and transport services and easy access to public places for persons with disabilities, and include them in planning and development of infrastructure in cities and rural islands.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 15 percent of the world’s population has some form of disability.

HRCM has received 72 complaints on human rights violations related to persons with disabilities, including abuse and neglect from family, requests to take persons with disabilities into State care, misuse of disability allowance, neglect by the State, and deaths of persons with disabilities under State care.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Building back better: towards a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World by, for and with persons with disabilities”.