Article

In 2013, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) signed the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD).
Since the concept of rehabilitation services in the DPRK did not meet
international standards, the government, through the Korean Federation for
Protection of the Disabled (KFPD) and Munsu Rehabilitation Hospital (MRH), set up
a technical consultation with external experts. METHODS:
Two rounds of
consultations were performed, in August 2016 and March 2017, with available
methodology, as used in previous consultation processes, but excluding site
visits. The consultations started by collecting available data and holding
workshops with representatives from the KFPD and the MRH. The results are listed
as recommendations for the improvement of health-related rehabilitation services
in the DPRK. The results were further developed by KFPD into a draft National
Strategy and Action Plan on Comprehensive Rehabilitation (NSAPCR) 2017-2020. The
draft was discussed with external experts for further improvement prior to
discussion with the government. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Overall, the consultation
processes was successful, despite the limitation of not making site visits.
Recent developments in the DPRK include ratification of the UN-CRPD in December
2016. The authors hope that the NSAPCR can be implemented successfully, leading
to improved quality of life for people with disabilities in the DPRK.

Langue : ANGLAIS