TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Yannis Yallouros, Vice President of the European Disability Forum, shared a message highlighting the importance of including persons with disabilities in the discussions about human rights during the 16th Informal Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Seminar on Human Rights held in Beijing, China back in November 8 to November 10, 2016.
"We have very common voices and souls in fighting and advocating for our right to participate in all aspects of society on an equal basis with others," Yallouros said in a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, December 14, 2016.
China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong stated at the opening ceremony that persons with disabilities were not only important part of human civilization, but also a main force for human development.
The seminar was chaired by the Asia-Europe Foundation's Executive Director Ambassador Karsten Warnecke and hosted by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Disabled People's Federation, and China University of Political Science and Law.
The Seminar examined how the rights of persons with disabilities can be strengthened at regional and national levels by bringing together senior government officials, human rights ambassadors, academics as well as disability experts and advocates from Asia and Europe. The discussions were articulated around four working groups addressing participation in political and cultural life; social and economic inclusion; legal status, justice and remedy; national implementation and international cooperation.
Professor Gerard Quinn, Director of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy of NUI Galway and one of the main rapporteurs of the Seminar, welcomed the very unique platform of exchange between actors of the two regions provided by the Seminar.
"There is a richness of experience on both sides that needs to be captured and shared. We will return home better informed but also with better questions," Quinn said.
FERY ANDRIANSYAH
