BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PEOPLE with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) are calling for support from the Taiwan Government to recognise disabled people in Solomon Islands.
PWDSI understands that Solomon Islands has a longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and lots of resulting development have been seen in the country.
Throughout the years of friendship, people with special needs realised not every opportunity is accessible for people with disabilities in Solomon Islands.
Seeing this gap, the PWDSI vice chair Mr Casper Fa’asala is calling for support from the Taiwan Government to create sister relationship of people-to-people diplomacy.
He made the call during the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe performance yesterday.
Fa’asala said now Taiwan and Solomon Islands have been good friends for more than 30 years, it is time that both countries look at initiating inclusive development facilities which specifically for people with special needs.
He said Taiwan government should also look at opening scholarship opportunities for people with special needs to learn creative art and performances.
Especially at the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, he adds.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands did not rectify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) yet which means rights of the people with disability still not recognized, he said.
Fa’asala said in the Article 30 of the CRPD it stated the participation of people with special needs in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sports.
From the article, Fa’asala said they are expecting the country to establish facilities for disable people access to creative arts such as performances or services like theater.
Yesterday, Taiwan Embassy Solomon Islands has organized a charity performance by the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe for people with special needs.
They have enjoyed the performances and also took part in the show.
