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bangkok statement 2003 on time promotion of a non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities

We, the participants from 9 countries in the Asia/Pacific for the Regional Training Course for Trainers in the Promotion of a Non-handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities organized by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) with the cooperation of UNESCAP held in Bangkok, Thailand from February 25 to March 11, 2003, have reached an agreement on the following Statement:

1. We recognize, with appreciation, the continuous effort of the Governments in the UNESCAP region to develop equal opportunity and full participation of persons with disabilities through the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons from 1993-2002 and the proclamation of the 2^nd Decade of Disabled Persons from 2003-2012.
2. We also appreciate the work of the UNESCAP High-level Intergovernmental Meeting for the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
3. We encourage the governments of the UNESCAP region to put as much effort, in close collaboration with non-governmental organizations, professional organizations and disabled people organizations, to promote the implementation of Biwako Millennium Framework for Action, especially regarding access to built environments and public transport in the context of a non-handicapping environment.
4. We are amazed and inspired by the cities of Bangkok and Pattaya because of their efforts to implement a non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities. We would also like to encourage the cities of Bangkok and Pattaya to continue their effort and, to inspire and motivate other cities across Thailand to follow their example.
5. We express our sincere gratitude to the Governments of Thailand and Japan for their support to the program which opened our eyes to the varying needs, difficulties and problems encountered by persons with different abilities when confronted by many barriers in the built environment. We were also made aware of the vast potentials and capabilities of persons with disabilities after having been empowered by a non-handicapping environment.

We recognize the benefits of non-handicapping environments for the whole population (including children, pregnant women and elderly persons) with respect to safety and ease of use and we look forward to working together among GOs, NGOs, and DPOs to accomplish an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities.

BANGKOK, 11 MARCH 2003