Pacific Disability Forum
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News Title:
19 February 2010 - PDF Weekly Update
Date Published:
19 February 2010
PDF Weekly Email Update
19th February 2010
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Pacific Disability Forum! We hope that you and your family are well and that your organisations are running smoothly.
This email update features news from the Cook Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, and a motivating article from a newspaper agency.
- Update from the Cook Islands
(Source: Ms. Nooroa Numanga)
The Division for Disability Issues together with a representative from the Cook Islands National Disability Council (CINDC) were involved in the first Family Law Reform consultation from 10 – 12 February 2010 conducted by the Gender Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in collaboration with Punanga Tauturu Incorporation – an NGO. Assistance in terms of legal and technical aspects of the preparatory process was by Christine Forster funded by UNDP Pacific Office, Fiji.
The objectives of the consultations were to identify areas of reform, good practice approaches to adopt and country-specific issues. Hence key essential components of CEDAW and CRC were earmarked in this consultation compliant to family law reform for the Cook Islands, The Division for Disability Issues felt that this was a perfect opportunity for CRPD in particular WWDs and CWDs as per Articles 6, 7 & 23 to be considered whilst addressing issues relating to the family, therefore, the inclusion of PWDs component as well. Initially, this was taken on board by the organizers and the consultant and we positively look forward to the feedback report in the near future.
Although The Division for Disability Issues have not reported to the UN Commission yet they are proactively taking advantageous measures ensuring the issues of disability are broadly recognized with respect to governments’ obligation towards PWDs at the national level.
- Update from Nauru
(Source: Josephine Dame)
NDPA president, Mr. David Harris is back on the Island and NDPA are getting themselves sorted out with allocation of tasks paperwork, updates, etc.
NDPA is working on getting office space first with those in government, if they don't succeed then they will have to approach land owners.
They have been going through the papers from the Ministerial Meeting in Rarotonga and are cooking up something to approach the minister who attended
- Update from New Zealand
(Source: Wendy Neilson – DPANZ)
New DPA CEO
The National Executive Committee is delighted to announce to its membership the appointment of Ross Brereton to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Ross attended the NEC meeting on the weekend where he was congratulated on his appointment.
Ross brings to the position many qualities and skills and many years of experience in supporting the lives of disabled people and their families.
Ross is a former Human Rights Commissioner and has fulfilled leadership roles in the management and governance of several national and local disability organisations. Ross has a congenital visual impairment.
Ross will commence full time in the role in the week of March 22 and will be formally welcomed at that time. Ross will be available on a part time basis meantime.
4. Articles from Newspapers;
A match made in heaven
(Source: Fiji Times Online - Monday, January 25, 2010)
+ Enlarge this image
Vineeta Mala watches as Nilesh Kumar Pillay partakes in wedding rites on Saturday at Kinoya in Suva
Marriages are made in heaven and executed on earth.
This was true for 38-year-old Vineeta Mala and 29-year-old Nilesh Kumar Pillay on Saturday. Both are deaf-mute and met through camps organized for special students.
But it was much later when their families decided to arrange their marriage.
Vineeta's mother, Bharti Devi, said it was the day she had been waiting for.
"I have been telling her to find someone but she was never interested," she said.
Devi said it was an arranged marriage.
"They knew each other for two years, but had not thought of getting married," she said.
The South Indian wedding ceremony took place in Kinoya at the bride's residence.
Nilesh, on the other hand, said that he was looking forward to his responsibilities as a husband.
"I have known Vineeta for two years and now will be spending the rest of my life with her," he said through sign language.
Nilesh said getting married was the happiest moment of his life.
According to Vineeta's mother, she studied at Hilton Special School and later at Latter Day Saints School. "She recently started working for Tropical Garments," she said.
She said the families approached each other after learning about their friendship.
"We thought he was a good match for her because he could understand her," she said.
More than 300 people gathered at Vineeta's house on Saturday to bless the couple.
After the wedding ceremony, all the guests were treated to a feast prepared by Vineeta's family and friends. Among those present were members and friends of Fiji Association of Deaf and work mates of the couple.
After the feast, an emotional Vineeta farewelled her family members and friends before leaving for Ba with her husband.
That’s all for this week.
All the best with your efforts to enhance and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities.
Have a nice weekend!
Regards,
Solo
"A Partnership of Pacific Organization of and for People with Disabilities"
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Mr. Soloveni Vitoso
Pacific Disability Forum
Desvoeux Road
Suva
Fiji.
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