UNDP
Study on Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities Request for proposal

Reference: RFP 004/2017
Beneficiary countries: Malawi
Published on: 11-May-2017
Deadline on: 26-May-2017 17:00 (GMT 3.00)

Description

There is limited data available on access to different services for persons with disabilities in Malawi; however, the existing evidence indicates that they are among the most excluded in the country. It is estimated that around 2.4% of the Malawi population live with a disability. There is an urgent need in Malawi to increase the evidence on the daily life of persons with disabilities and their families, in order to understand better their situation and particular needs, as well as the barriers to accessing services. Increased evidence is necessary in order to inform programmes and strategies which will enhance the social inclusion of persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UNCRPD Article 1).

With funding from the United Nations under the 2017 Joint Annual Work Plan, the MALAWI HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (hereinafter referred to as “the Commissionintends to engage a research institution to carry out a human rights–based study on access to services by Persons with Disabilities in Malawi. The study findings will provide the basis for planning of programs and strategies including research and monitoring promotion and protection of disability rights aimed at ensuring that programs are relevant to the lives of persons with disability in Malawi.

The Commission therefore seeks the services of a research institution that will make available three experts; one with legal expertise, one with human rights expertise and a third with Gender and Social Welfare including Applied Disability expertise to carry out a study on access to services by persons with disabilities in Malawi. In this context, the study shall focus on the following services: Social Services (Health and Education), Financial Services (Income generating activities, employment), Justice Services. Additionally, the study intends to assess political participation of Persons living with Disabilities (PwDs)