CHAPTER 4 - REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WORKING GROUP 6. RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES .... the PWD Act ..... does not address their right to be free of discrimination.... For example, PWDs are not entitled to insurance coverage The seminar brought together about 200 participants, comprising in Malaysia, which persons with disabilities, as well as representatives of NGOs and is a clear act of government agencies like local councils, and interested groups and discrimination The seminar on ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ (PWDs), organised on 5 December, reviewed the situation in Malaysia following the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWD Act). The seminar was also to raise public awareness of the PWDs’ rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and to identify areas for improvement. individuals. PWDs made up a large number of those who attended the seminar on 5 December Issues Raised by Participants (i) While the PWD Act entitles PWDs to use various facilities, amenities and services, it does not address their right to be free of discrimination. For example, PWDs are not entitled to insurance coverage in Malaysia, which is a clear act of discrimination. The human rights perspective should be the anchor of the Act. (ii) The Government should ensure that provisions of the PWD Act are strictly implemented by ensuring that a monitoring mechanism is in place. 86