A Regional Disability Tribunal for Asia and the Pacific: Changing the Conversation to a ‘Conversation’?

Abstract

This paper reviews approaches to the needs of disabled people in Asia and the Pacific, the only part of the world currently lacking regional human rights machinery. The paper examines some of the social policy choices involved in prioritising different possible approaches to meeting the needs of disabled people in the region, with a focus on a proposed regional disability rights tribunal (DR-TAP). It is argued that this is not the top priority for immediate action; rather it is contended that capacity building and culturally appropriate attitudinal and other change strategies should instead be pursued over the medium term horizon.

Keywords: disability rights, regional rights machinery, capacity-building, cultural values, advocacy

JEL Classification: K01, K30, K32