The fourth Asian Para Games kicked off today in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, bringing together over 3,000 athletes across 22 sports. This year’s event introduces two new sports: para-canoeing and para-taekwondo. The games shine a spotlight on disability issues in Asia, a region where more than 700 million people live with disabilities.
Despite the large number of people with disabilities, only 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have passed anti-discrimination legislation for disability. Disability remains a key sociological marker that increases the likelihood of experiencing poverty, malnutrition, and other forms of social disadvantage.
China stands out in addressing disability rights, being one of the few countries worldwide that include disability rights in its constitution, framed in 1982. Article 45 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China states that “the state and society shall assist arrangements for the work, livelihood, and education of citizens who are blind, deaf, mute, or have other disabilities.” This comprehensive law covers rehabilitation, education, employment, cultural life, and social security, ensuring that “persons with disabilities shall enjoy equal rights with other citizens in political, economic, cultural and social respects and family life as well.”
Beyond constitutional provisions, China has published over 90 laws and 50 administrative regulations concerning the protection of the rights and interests of people with disabilities, according to a white paper by the State Council Information Office. The success of the Hangzhou Games and China’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on disability issues throughout Asia.
Reference(s):
Hangzhou Para Games a showcase for disability rights in China
cgtn.com
