This informal meeting discussed the conventions of the CRPD and how the public can move towards a full realization of its objectives. Ms. Ito began by stating that the CRPD is inclusive in its nature, meaning participation must be intersectional and honor many perspectives.

Mr. Sauer added that the CRPD is working to implement the 2038 Development Framework that has incorporated issues of people with disabilities as a core element. Officials must scale up collective inclusive efforts within the 2030 Agenda for its success. The Secretary General submitted reports on inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities within the United Nations this year. The CRPD hopes that the report will lead UN work to reflect these concerns.

Disabilities should be discussed in the context of social inclusion and issues of global poverty. As Mr. Cuk stated, people with disabilities’ rights are human rights, and this should not be a notion solely on paper. UN officials and the public need to take responsibility and  work to include people with disabilities in decision making processes and draft proposals to reflect their needs and concerns.

Ms. Myangi, Ms. Ero, Ms. Cisternas, and Ms. Devandas shared experiences of discrimination. They expressed that this year has been successful in mapping solutions, however further efforts are needed at the international level. Support for desegregation, public education, and work to reduce local poverty must increase. It is critical to move away from discriminatory practices and towards mindsets and policies that empower and people with disabilities.

Mr. Sandoval and Mr. Taula closed the discussion and expressed that the international community and United Nations must work to validate the issues that affect people with disabilities for all to enjoy human rights.

Meeting: ‘The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Turns 10,” How Can We Move Towards a Full Realization of the Purpose and Objectives of the Convention?’

Date/Location: Wednesday, 26 October, 2016; 15:00 to 16:30; Conference Room 12

Speakers: Ms. Akiko Ito, Chief Secretariat for the CRPD, UN-DESA; His Excellency Mr. Oh Joon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea; His Excellency Mr. Kai Sauer, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Finland; Mr. Vladimir Cuk, Executive Director of IDA; Ms. Susan Mwangi, First Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Kenya; Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism; Ms. Maria Soledad Cisternas, Chairperson of the Committee on the Right of Persons with Disabilities; Ms. Catalina Devandas, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right of Persons with Disabilities; His Excellency Mr. Juan Sandoval, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico; His Excellency Mr. Phillip Taula, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand

Written By: Ashley Lee, WIT Representative