2020

ESCWA Disability Framework

115 indicators to bridge the gap between policy and statistics

The first three-dimensional disability framework that maps disability-related indicators to three major development frameworks: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The “ESCWA Disability Framework: 115 indicators to bridge the gap between policy and statistics” was prepared by the Statistical Policies and Coordination Unit under the overall guidance of Juraj Riecan, Director of the Statistics Division at the at the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The report is the outcome of discussions held during the Inter-agency and Expert Group Meeting on Improving Disability Statistics in the Sustainable Development Goals which took place in Cairo, from 18 to 20 September 2018. It builds on international efforts to bridge the gap between policy and statistics.

The first part of this technical publication elaborates on the mandates governing the production of disability statistics, the purpose of producing disability information and the methodology employed to develop the ESCWA Disability Framework. The second part of the publication presents the Framework and the interlinkages between the SDGs and the CRPD. The report ends with concluding remarks.

The ESCWA Disability Framework presents disability as an issue that cuts across all spheres of life. Disability is not merely a component disaggregated from the overall goal of “leaving no one behind”, but rather a larger commitment to enable vulnerable populations through a human rights-based approach. The Framework can be an effective tool to convey urgent priorities for persons with disabilities and highlights the need for taking action and working towards inclusive societies. The Framework mobilizes the attention and participation of the main stakeholders, improves data and statistical system processes and provides policymakers with a tool for monitoring and reporting. The framework provides a policy-data integration monitoring tool interlinking social, economic, environmental and institutional areas and fostering interaction and dialogue between policymakers, persons with disabilities and data producers. The framework is a work in progress that enables all stakeholders to understand the gaps in policy and data in addressing issues related to persons with disabilities and work towards tailored indicators to allow for effective monitoring of policy and planned development priorities.