UNESCAP

A Matter of Rights

Social Participation

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26. Schools for everybody -- Throughout the Asia-Pacific region children with disabilities suffer from the lack of education because of the reluctance of regular schools to accept them as students. Proponents of “Inclusive Education” argue that schools should change their teaching methodology to include children with disabilities who have as much right to education as other children. This report shows the successful implementation of the IE concept in selected schools in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. (Lao PDR)

27. "Box of Delights" -- At a primary school in Pakistan, one teacher, Shamsah Adeeb, uses what they call the “box of delights” to make learning more efficient and fun. This story highlights the importance of interactive education - a methodology not based on rote learning and fear of punishment that could be used by other Asian countries to improve the quality of primary education. (Pakistan)

28. Non-formal education -- The problem of improving literacy is a constant challenge to the Governments of developing countries in Asia. Struggling with inadequate financial resources and skilled manpower, they often have to overcome outdated cultural practices as well. Non-formal education is a means of solving this problem. This report looks at the successful example of Thailand’s Department of Non-Formal Education that has set up programmes offering basic and functional literacy in all 76 provinces in the country. (Thailand)

29. Child sexual exploitation -- For a pittance they are stripped of their most precious possessions - their self-esteem, pride, innocence, trust, and even their childhood. An estimated 10 million children between five- and 18-years-old are used for sex worldwide. Vast numbers of them live in Asia. This report takes a look at the situation in the Indochina countries and what is being done to combat the problem. (Cambodia, Thailand)

30. The "Mad Drug" menace -- The Thais call it “Yaa Baa” or the “Mad Drug.” Methamphetamines, a narcotic made from synthetic chemicals, is certainly the cause of much madness in Thailand where the number of addicts has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. This report shows the need for a serious crackdown on drug manufacturers and peddlers by State authorities, and highlights a rehabilitation centre offering some hope to the addicts. (Thailand)

31. Streamwatch -- Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region face problems of fresh water management and supply. This report takes a look at a community development project in Sri Lanka that brings fresh water on demand to a community that once had few choices. The project is a good example of the success that can be achieved when governments work together with people at the grassroots level to find sustainable solutions. (Sri Lanka)

32. Landmines -- Each year an estimated 26,000 people worldwide are killed or injured by anti-personnel landmines. Ninety percent of these are civilians. Many of them are children. This report introduces two landmine survivors, one in Sri Lanka and the other in Cambodia, who in their own unique ways have reclaimed their lives. (Cambodia, Sri Lanka)

33. No peace, no development -- Peace is an essential pre-condition for human and social development. Yet dozens of deadly conflicts, wreaking havoc all over the world, are destroying lives, resources, and the futures of entire societies. In this feature we look at some recent significant steps towards making peace a real possibility for the citizens of the region and the world - reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, the setting up of regional conflict-resolution mechanisms, and the declaration of significant parts of Asia and the Pacific as nuclear-weapon-free zones. (Korean peninsula, South-East Asia)

34. A media for Mother Nature -- The alarming number of HIV/AIDS cases in Thailand has become of great concern not only to the Thai health authorities but also to the country’s clergy. With no imminent cure in sight, Buddhist monks have taken it upon themselves to disseminate information regarding the virus, as well as take care of patients in the advance stages of AIDS. (Thailand)

35. HIV/AIDS - a religious response -- Like many other coastal cities in Asia, Bangkok is slowly sinking below sea level due to land subsidence. This geological phenomenon takes a heavy toll on the longevity of buildings, roads, and bridges, and costs city authorities millions of dollars in maintenance costs. This report looks at the need to bring geologists and city planners together to help avert this problem. By incorporating geological information into city planning, it may be possible to predict and avert disasters before it is too late. (Thailand)