IDDC

Disability and the MDGs: Making Development Inclusive Project Launch

22 June 2010: In collaboration with Alf Svensson MEP (EPP), IDDC launched the EC-funded project 'Making Development Inclusive'. Speakers on the panel during the discussion on disability and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) included Madhizhagan Mohan (Inclusive Development Officer, CBM South Asia), Carlotta Besozzi (Director, European Disability Forum) and Anton Jensen (Disability Focal Person, DG Development).

The panel discussion was moderated by Imtiaz Mohammed from IDDC member organisation Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Much of the discussion focused on the lead up to the MDG Review Summit to be held in New York in September, and the role that the EU could play in ensuring that disability was represented as a cross cutting issue. Mr. Svensson emphasised that disability impacts on each of the goals, and without including persons with disabilities the MDGs will not be achieved. He also highlighted where disability is mentioned in the European Union’s Action Plan on achieving the MDGs.

During the panel discussion, participants shared experiences of influencing policy to ensure that disability is represented in mainstream development processes. Anton Jensen described the history of action on disability and development in the Commission, and recommended that the Commission Guidelines on disability be reviewed with respect to the ratification by the EU of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Madhizhagan Mohan warned participants of the dangers of persons with disabilities being left out of mainstream development processes surrounding the MDGs, predicting that even if poverty is cut by half by 2015 (Goal 1), persons with disabilities will be in the second half. However, he was also able to share some good experiences of advocating on disability in India.

Finally, Carlotta Besozzi outlined some key actions which could be taken in order to ensure that in achieving the MDGs, the effect of development processes on persons with disabilities is considered. Action points included undertaking training of delegations on disability and developing a framework for disability in the EU which includes development cooperation.

After each of the panellists had spoken, the floor was opened. Discussions took place on key issues raised by the participants, including the necessity of reviewing the EU guidelines on disability in light of the UNCRPD , the importance of disaggregated data in understanding the effects of development on persons with disabilities, and future opportunities for raising disability on the development agenda.