Governments, international organizations and representatives of disability organizations are calling on countries to prioritize the rights and needs of people with disabilities in policy-making.
They spoke at a side event hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat Human Rights Unit at UN Headquarters in New York City on 11 June 2024 during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17).
Opening the event, Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General, Professor Louis Franceschi, said:
“In accordance with the general obligations of the Convention, the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities must be taken into account in all policies and programmes.”
Adopted in 2006, the Convention marks a major milestone in efforts to protect, promote and fulfill the human rights of 1.3 billion people with disabilities around the world.
To date, 55 of the 56 Commonwealth member states have joined the Convention.
The event focused on the implementation of the Convention and featured speakers from several Commonwealth countries who discussed practical ways to involve people with disabilities in policy-making on issues such as poverty eradication, quality education and productive employment.
Nalini Bethel, Chairperson of the Bahamas National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, stressed the importance of consulting disability organizations to identify and address barriers.
Palmi Dheensa, Co-Chair of the Federal Network for Children and Youth with Disabilities, stressed the need for adequate funding and a rights-based approach to help children and adolescents with disabilities overcome physical and attitudinal barriers. She said these solutions should be based on their lived experiences.
Sarah Kamau, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Forum on Disabilities, stressed that training for people with disabilities was essential to ensure their meaningful participation in policy formulation.
Following the event, Professor Franceschi spoke on behalf of the Federation during the general debate of COSP17.
He said this year’s COSP theme, “Rethinking Disability Inclusion at the Current International Crossroads Ahead of the Future Summit”, reflected Commonwealth Leaders’ commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Professor Franceschi continued: “Disability inclusion is a priority policy area on the agenda for our summit in Samoa this October.”