Awam Pakistan

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR AWARENESS AND MOTIVATION

Advocacy for Comprehensive Disability Legislation and Implementation Mechanism of CRPD – Awam Pakistan

Advocacy for Comprehensive Disability Legislation and Implementation Mechanism of CRPD

Funded by the Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), this project focused on advocating for comprehensive disability legislation and monitoring mechanisms in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Spanning from October 2013 to December 2014 across seven districts in Punjab—Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Chiniot, Sahiwal, Lahore, and Kasur—the project aimed to elevate the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan’s development agenda and hold the government accountable for CRPD commitments.

The main objective was to develop a unified draft of legislation compliant with CRPD, submit it to the legislative assembly, and establish an implementation mechanism. The project emphasized a rights-based approach and engaged various stakeholders including lawmakers, government departments, media, and civil society. Multi-stakeholder advocacy clusters were formed to campaign collectively for the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs.

Outcomes included increased coordination and responsiveness from duty bearers, the establishment of effective monitoring mechanisms for CRPD, and improved understanding among the general public regarding the abilities and rights of PWDs. The project also raised awareness about government provisions and benefits available for PWDs and created avenues for their social integration.

The media’s role was pivotal, with awareness campaigns leading to improved sensitivity in reporting disability issues. Public engagement and advocacy helped build a disability rights movement, encouraging PWDs to actively participate in policy dialogues. By highlighting systemic exclusion and advocating for inclusive development, the project laid foundational work for legislative reform and the long-term integration of disability rights into Pakistan’s policy framework.