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Highlights of the Policy Brief The empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) holds immense potential for ASEAN’s economic and social development. Yet, significant challenges often leave them confined to informal, low-wage employment with no job security or financial safety nets. Specifically, women with disabilities remain among the most marginalised groups, facing overlapping layers of discrimination, … ASEAN Online Forum on the Future of Work: Empowering Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN’s Workforce

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, persons with disabilities— including physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities—represent 16 per cent of the world’s population. This is equivalent to 1.3 billion people, 80 per cent of whom acquired their disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. Data from the UN Economic and Social Commission … Disability Inclusion, Technology, and the Digital Economy in ASEAN: A Path to Inclusive Growth

On the bustling streets of cities like Bangkok, amidst the vibrant markets and towering skyscrapers, lies a hidden crisis: human trafficking. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions across the ASEAN region. Within this already vulnerable population exists an even more marginalised subset: persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are victims … Invisible Exploitation: The Intersection between Disability and Human Trafficking

The ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025 is a game changer for persons with disabilities in ASEAN. It is the first rights-based initiative to mainstream their rights in the ASEAN Community 2025.

Viet Nam is firmly committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, with over 6.2 million people, or 7.06 per cent of its population, living with disabilities. At the regional level, Viet Nam’s leadership role in promoting disability rights and disability inclusion is notably demonstrated, alongside Thailand, based on the mid-term review of the … Advancing Disability Rights in Viet Nam: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

MALAYSIA ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP 2025 INCLUSIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY On 1 January 2025, Malaysia assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN for the fifth time, marking a decade since its last leadership role. Coincidentally, this year marks the end of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, launched at the 27th ASEAN Summit during Malaysia’s 2015 Chairmanship. History repeats itself. In … Dato` Sri Tiong King Sing