The ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) took place virtually on December 18 with a specific focus on protecting social security for persons with disabilities (PWDs) during and after the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) is held virtually (Photo:VNA) 

Speaking from Hanoi, Nguyen Van Hoi, director of the Social Assistance Department at Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that ASEAN’s population of more than 625 million includes approximately 100 million PWDs.

Member states have always taken heed of issues relating to the disabled, although PWDs in Vietnam and other ASEAN members still face numerous difficulties in various aspects of their life, especially in terms of accessing healthcare, education, vocational training, employment, and credit, he noted.

Hoi described the year as being unique, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic posing unprecedented challenges to healthcare and social security, therefore requiring regional governments to take action. These steps were taken in an effort to meet the twin targets of containing the outbreak and boosting socio-economic development, particularly for vulnerable groups, of which PWDs, women, and children can be considered more susceptible.

The official also shared details of the nation’s experiences and schemes aimed at supporting PWDs in the post-pandemic period, as well as certain shortcomings that requires co-operation between the State and citizens in order to handle.

Agreeing with the assessment of the COVID-19 impact on vulnerable groups, including the disabled, Dang Huynh Mai, president of the Vietnam Union of PWDs Associations, said that in order to help PWDs overcome these difficulties, the union must work alongside its member organisations, ministries, and sectors. These collaboration efforts should be done by carrying out a range of activities, such as boosting communication to raise awareness among PWDs of the dangers posed by COVID-19, thereby providing essential goods to those in need, and encouraging donations.

She also voiced hope that experiences shared at the forum would serve to minimise the pandemic’s impact whilst effectively implementing the “ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” for the purpose of a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community.

During the event, participants examined ways in which to ensure PWDs’ response during and after the pandemic through the implementation of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025. They also discussed social security measures and essential public services with specialised groups.