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

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 2

The UNCRPD In Australia  Australia Ratified the UNCRPD on 17 th July 2008; the Optional Protocol on 21 st Aug 2009  International Cooperation comes under UNCRPD Article 32  Addressed in AusAID’s Strategy: Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program  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? 3

Bob McMullan: 10 steps for AusAID (+ other donors) 1. Establish reference or advisory group 2. Review mainstream programs for compatibility with CRPD obligations 3. Develop strategy documents focused on rights 4. Fund DPO strengthening (e.g. DRF) 5. Adapt scholarship program for PWDs

Bob McMullan: 10 steps for AusAID (Continued) 6. Ensure infrastructure programs reduce barriers 7. Develop disability focus in volunteer programs 8. Establish partnerships with DPOs 9. Undertake research 10. Become a global advocate for the post 2015 MDG priorities

10 Top Advocacy Tips 1. Advocacy = change 2. Be clear about the change you want (Disability- Inclusive Development Assistance) 3. Realize the long term value & importance of advocacy 4. Persist in advocacy to governments and international donors 5. 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)

10 Top Advocacy Tips (Continued) 6. Use champions and peers (e/g Bob McMullan) 7. Show other donors the opportunity that disability presents to achieved poverty reduction - it’s NOT just ‘ANOTHER’ aid priority 8. Build your support base, your evidence base & your networks (see next slide) 9. Persist, Persist, Persist: change takes time (persistence of CBM over 100+ years) 10. Realize change can happen – “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Gandhi)

Advocacy = Networking (10 Tips) 1. Don’t underestimate the value and importance of effective networking 2. 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 3. 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) 4. Work the room – know who you need to speak to and seek them out – the breaks can be more important than the main sessions 5. Always, be polite and friendly in all your dealings

Advocacy = Networking (10 Tips) 6. 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 7. 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 8. Don't be shy! 98% people respond well to friendly smile and introduction. For those %2 who don’t – move on 9. Listen well and follow up with contacts you have made 10. Share your passion – enthusiasm is infectious.

Disability and Development: Why? 7 Key Points for Donors, NGOs 1. Most Governments have ratified the UNCRPD – so they are obliged to address disability substantively 2. PWDs are some of the poorest of the poor – targeting disability is therefore THE RIGHT THING TO DO 3. Poverty cannot end without addressing disability – it is FUNDAMENTAL 4. Integrating disability is about reorientation of priorities not large amounts $$$$ 5. Targeting disability can actually bring easy wins as there is much to be done 6. DPOs and PWDs are the greatest resource we have 7. Disability Inclusive Development is already happening. So GET ON BOARD!!!

Thank you  Paul Deany: Disability Rights Fund,  Program Officer for the Pacific and Asia  