KOROR, Palau — A new law designed to enhance support and services for persons with disabilities in Palau has been enacted, establishing an Office of Persons with Disabilities and mandating the development of a comprehensive national policy. The legislation, known as the Persons with Disabilities Act (RPPL No. 11-36), seeks to ensure equal opportunities and full participation in society for Palau’s disabled population.
The law creates a Coordinating Committee on Persons with Disabilities, chaired by the Minister of Health and Human Services. The committee includes representatives from several government ministries, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Its primary role is to oversee and coordinate services, develop the national policy, and recommend necessary legislation or regulations to the government.
The committee has 270 days to develop and publish the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, which will address the needs, rights, and challenges of persons with disabilities in Palau. The policy will focus on accessibility, inclusion, health services, economic participation, and social protection.
“Persons with disabilities should be able to fully and effectively participate in our society with dignity and respect,” the Olbiil Era Kelulau, Palau’s legislature, said in a statement. With over 2,800 persons in Palau estimated to have one or more disabilities, the law aims to improve their quality of life and ensure they can contribute to the country’s social and economic development.
The law also mandates the periodic review of the national policy every two years to assess its effectiveness and make necessary amendments.
To support the implementation of the act, the government has allocated 1% of tax revenues from alcohol and tobacco products for the first two years to fund the Coordinating Committee’s work. An additional 2% of these revenues will fund the start-up operations of the new Office of Persons with Disabilities.
Palauan leaders say the act is a significant step toward ensuring persons with disabilities can live up to their potential and participate fully in all aspects of life, with full respect for their inherent dignity and rights.