Building an Inclusive Bhutan

The United Nations in Bhutan held a consultation with persons with disabilities, reaffirming its commitment to leaving no one behind under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Mohammad Younas, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., opened the consultation by underscoring the importance of inclusion in Bhutan’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. This was followed by a presentation from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, which shared key insights from the draft Common Country Analysis.

Representatives from local disability organizations, the Royal Government of Bhutan, the private sector, and the UN’s Gender, Disability Inclusion, and Human Rights Working Group took part in discussions on critical issues. One of the primary sessions addressed the challenges faced by persons with disabilities during emergencies, highlighting lessons from Bhutan’s experiences with natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The session, moderated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s team leader, focused on ensuring future emergency responses are disability-inclusive.

Participants also shared personal stories, emphasizing the need for stronger implementation of existing policies. In Bhutan, persons with disabilities face barriers in economic, social, and political life, including discrimination, stigma, and unconscious bias. The consultation underscored the urgent need to address these issues.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting concrete actions to overcome challenges facing persons with disabilities. In addition to Bhutan’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the country has developed a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and an Action Plan for its implementation. This consultation placed the voices and experiences of persons with disabilities at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring their rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

As Bhutan continues its journey towards inclusivity, consultations like this one serve as a vital platform for collaboration, empowerment, and progress—laying the foundation for a future where no one is left behind.