H.E. Ms. Marta Gabriela Michetti Illia, Vice-President of Argentina, addressed to the 72nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations during the General Debate.

Argentina has always been committed to the protection and promotion of human rights as a state policy, and the government has incorporated the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into the Constitution (2014). She emphasized the government’s commitment to the Convention, noting the creation of an agency focused on policy-making for persons with disabilities and implementation of the national plan for persons with disabilities with their participation.

As a person with disability herself, Ms. Michetti is committed to make sure the national plan covers all the issues in the CRPD. The President and herself, she said, were determined to change the “still-distorted view” that persisted in the country’s culture towards persons with disabilities.

Ms. Michetti also addressed gender equality, terrorism, international cooperation and climate change in her statement.

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H.E. Mr. Lenin Moreno Garcés, President of Ecuador,  addressed to the General Assembly on 20 September 2017 during the General Debate.  Speaking from the rostrum of the General Assembly Hall which was made to be wheelchair accessible using ad hoc measures, Mr. Moreno said while progress is being made, much remained to be done for the 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world, including advancing accessibility and inclusion in society and development.

Describing himself as an optimist, he said political will was required in this regard. Focusing on people, striving for peace and decent life for all on a sustainable planet is today’s imperative. Emphasizing the importance of caring for people throughout their life cycle, and of eradicating all forms of violence, he said the mistreatment, abuse and killing of women and girls must not be allowed. He also addressed other challenges in the world today, including peace and security, inequality, climate change and migration crisis.

A new society based on the common good could and must be promoted, Mr. Moreno concluded, adding that a fair international system and a commitment to eradicating poverty and inequality would lead to a world in which everyone lived in dignity.

• Full coverage of the 72th session of the General Assembly General Debate
• H.E. Mr. Moreno at the General Debate  (Statement in Spanish)

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed María Soledad Cisternas Reyes of Chile as his Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility.

There are more than 1 billion people with some form of disability, accounting for 15 per cent of the world population. In spite of remarkable advances towards accessible and disability-inclusive societies, an enormous gap remains between commitments made and the daily experiences of persons with disabilities. A concerted effort must therefore be made to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind as promised in the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. As Special Envoy, Ms. Cisternas will help promote the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on accessibility for all. Read more

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