MOROBE people with disabilities handed over a United Nations draft convention document to Governor Luther Wenge yesterday for endorsement of the provincial executive council and later for tabling in Parliament on Feb 2.
Morobe disabled agency president Rex Larry handed over the document that was compiled under the UN convention on laws on disabled persons to be given equal opportunity.
Mr Larry said it took 30 years for draft copies to be compiled before a final draft was approved for endorsement by all members of the UN.
“The draft document that had gone through various stages over the past 30 years and adjustments made before a final draft was approved and handed over to Morobe disabled agency to take it up with the Government for endorsement,” Mr Larry told reporters at the press conference at Melanesian Hotel in Lae yesterday.
Mr Wenge received the document on behalf of the Morobe provincial government and said the people with disabilities had equal rights as any other persons and their interest must be protected at all times.
He said his government would follow the established procedures when it takes up the document for its endorsement this year.
“Morobe will go ahead whether or not the National Government approve the document and will appoint a committee to look into the draft conventional document and submit it to Sam Sewe for its adoption and debate,” Mr Wenge said.
“I will seek leave from the Speaker to table the conventional document on disabled persons in Parliament when it meets on Feb 2 in Port Moresby,” he said.
Mr Wenge said he would see to it that it goes through the floor of parliament and completes all the processes of law.
itwill apply to all the disabled persons in PNG to be protected under the one law to seek employment, education, and all forms of training and will also apply to the use of public facilities such as shopping and transportation.
Benedict Hipou Executive Secretary, PNG Paralympic committee, Morris Dangka, Tutumang Representative and Morobe disabled sports association president Iwakie Tumala were also present at the press conference.