Australia-Indonesia Conference on Islam and Disability Rights

Australia and Indonesia have collaborated to support the first ever International Conference on the Rights of Disabled Persons, Inclusive Education and Islamic Educational Institutions in Indonesia. The conference was a joint initiative of the State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga and the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

The conference was an opportunity for ACU to engage with the world’s largest Muslim population and Australia’s closest neighbour in promoting the rights of people with disability to education. The conference introduced ACU’s work and research to Indonesian academics, universities and international organisations. 

Dr Bradley Armstrong, Head of the Australian Embassy's Political and Economic Branch, said “Islamic values involve a high regard for humanity and equality, so they have the potential to support increased fulfilment of rights for people with disabilities in Indonesia. Co-operation between Australia and Indonesia in this area is a tangible example of our joint commitment to the rights of people with disabilities, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which both our countries have ratified."

The conference brought together scholars, officials and disability rights campaigners from different countries and different faiths to Yogyakarta on 21-22 May 2015. It was supported by the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Justice.