Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 27^th Session (1-12 May 2017) on Rights of Persons with Disabilities : 3^rd UPR of India. [Geneva, 4 May 2017]

I would like to say on rights of persons with disabilities. The rights of persons with disabilities have been a high priority for the government. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has been enacted by Parliament in 2016 and brought into force on 19 April 2017. This Act is in line with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This Act also has special provision on the rights of women with disabilities and also penal provisions for violations of their rights. The Act provides various measures for inclusive education to children with disabilities.

2. To promote an inclusive and sustainable approach, we have launched an 'Accessible India Campaign' to create a 'barrier free environment' for Persons with Disabilities. The objective is creation of Physical & Virtual infrastructure that is truly accessible and inclusive for the persons with disabilities. Increasingly, our policies and programmes emphasize on training, awareness and capacity building, shelter, care giving and empowerment. Research studies on Autism are also being encouraged.

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