Situation on Disability in Nepal

Population:

1.94 percent of total population has a disability Nepal i.e. around 513,000 (of 26 million population) [*National Census, 2011]

Karuna Foundation’s Nepal baseline census in about 40 VDCs: 3-5 percent

Legal provisions/policies

• UNCRPD ratified by Nepal in 2010 (with optional Protocol)
• Disability Protection and Welfare Act, 1982 – amendment in the process of approval
• Education Act is being reviewed in consultation with DPOs and organizations working in the field of disability.
• Several Guidelines on accessibility, assistive devices, CBR, personal assistance.
• National Policy and Plan of Action on Disability, 2006- in the process of revision

Most importantly the upcoming constitution of Nepal is incorporating rights of Persons With Disabilities as Fundamental Rights and ensure Political Rights and positive reservation in many clauses.