ADDC Practitioner Interest Forum: International Cooperation

1. ADDC Practitioner Interest Forum International Cooperation Paul Deany ADDC Executive Committee CBM Australia, March 13th 2013 ADDC Practitioner Interest Forum: International Cooperation

2. International Cooperation and Disability • This is historical time for disability rights & the global disability movement • The DIS CO (UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities) entered into force in May 2008 • Fastest UN human rights instrument to be adopted globally • As at March 2013: • 154 countries signed & 124 countries have ratified the UNCRPD • 90 countries signed &74 countries have ratified the Optional Protocol

3. The UNCRPD In Australia • Australia Ratified the UNCRPD on 17th July 2008; the Optional Protocol on 21st Aug 2009 • International Cooperation comes under UNCRPD Article 32 • Addressed in AusAID’sStrategy: Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009-2014. • Recently, disability was made one of 10 core development objectives of Australia’s aid program, recognizing that MDGs cannot be achieved without addressing disability rights • HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?

4. Bob McMullan: 10 steps for AusAID (+ other donors) • Establish reference or advisory group  • Review mainstream programs for compatibility with CRPD obligations • Develop strategy documents focused on rights  • Fund DPO strengthening (e.g. DRF)  • Adapt scholarship program for PWDs 

5. Bob McMullan: 10 steps for AusAID (Continued) • Ensure infrastructure programs reduce barriers  • Develop disability focus in volunteer programs • Establish partnerships with DPOs • Undertake research  • Become a global advocate for the post 2015 MDG priorities

6. 10 Top Advocacy Tips • Advocacy = change • Be clear about the change you want (Disability-Inclusive Development Assistance) • Realize the long term value & importance of advocacy • Persist in advocacy to governments and international donors • Strategize and organize your advocacy and constituency: • Be well organized (pre-meeting briefing note; follow up communications, relationship building) • Target your messages to different audiences (Government, Politicians, Development Agencies, Broader Public) • Build a legitimate constituency for collective advocacy (ADDC)

7. 10 Top Advocacy Tips (Continued) • Use champions and peers (e/g Bob McMullan) • Show other donors the opportunity that disability presents to achieved poverty reduction - it’s NOT just ‘ANOTHER’ aid priority • Build your support base, your evidence base & your networks (see next slide) • Persist, Persist, Persist: change takes time (persistence of CBM over 100+ years) • Realize change can happen – “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Gandhi)

8. Advocacy = Networking (10 Tips) • Don’t underestimate the value and importance of effective networking • It's not what you know it's who you know is very true in advocacy work – having a good network is worth the effort • Know who is going be at a meeting/conference before hand – ask the organizers to give you list of participants (don’t abuse this privilege) • Work the room – know who you need to speak to and seek them out – the breaks can be more important than the main sessions • Always, be polite and friendly in all your dealings

9. Advocacy = Networking (10 Tips) • Always have business cards (or make some up). Give them out, so you can collect those from others. If you run low, photo copy last few • If busy, prioritize people who you may not see again. This may mean you have to catch up with people in your city/state once back home • Don't be shy! 98% people respond well to friendly smile and introduction. For those %2 who don’t – move on • Listen well and follow up with contacts you have made • Share your passion – enthusiasm is infectious.

10. Disability and Development: Why? 7 Key Points for Donors, NGOs • Most Governments have ratified the UNCRPD – so they are obliged to address disability substantively • PWDs are some of the poorest of the poor – targeting disability is therefore THE RIGHT THING TO DO • Poverty cannot end without addressing disability – it is FUNDAMENTAL • Integrating disability is about reorientation of priorities not large amounts $$$$ • Targeting disability can actually bring easy wins as there is much to be done • DPOs and PWDs are the greatest resource we have • Disability Inclusive Development is already happening. So GET ON BOARD!!!

11. Thank you • Paul Deany: Disability Rights Fund, • Program Officer for the Pacific and Asia • www.disabilityrightsfund.org • pdeany@disabilityrightsfund.org