Concluding Observation (Accessibility)
UNCRPD's Concluding Observations on the initial report of the Philippines- Concluding Observations
- Accessibility
- Findings
- Accessibility (art. 9)
- Rich Text
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The Committee is concerned that measures such as Batas Pambansa No. 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, and Republic Act No. 7277 do not include the principles of accessibility through universal design as set forth in articles 2 and 9 of the Convention. It is also concerned about the absence of a national action plan on accessibility, that only city buses are required to comply with accessibility requirements and the fact that the current Accessibility Law does not include accessibility for all persons with disabilities. It is further concerned about the limited accessibility to modern jeepneys.
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The Committee recommends that the State party, guided by its general comment No. 2 (2014) on accessibility, and involving the participation of organizations of persons with disabilities:
(a) Conduct a review of its legislation and adopt a plan of action to develop accessibility to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications of all persons with disabilities. The State party should adhere to the principle of universal design as laid down in article 2 of the Convention, ensuring that the infrastructure, transportation, services and technologies are designed for and usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for further adaptation or specialized design;
(b) Expand accessibility laws and guidelines to protect the accessibility of all persons with disabilities;
(c) Establish complaint procedures and monitoring of accessibility requirements concerning public and private services, facilities and procurement procedures, ensuring the right of and resources for organizations of persons with disabilities to support complaint procedures and monitor accessibility;
(d) Strengthen the technical and financial resources to ensure accessibility to transportation beyond the available accessible seats on public buses;
(e) Increase the use of jeepneys for all persons with disabilities;
(f) Take into account its obligations under article 9 of the Convention that are relevant to targets 11.2 and 11.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals in order to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems to persons with disabilities by adapting public transport, with special attention to the requirements of persons with disabilities;
(g) Adopt monitoring indicators to assess improvements in accessibility.
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