Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
14 June 2022
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the 15th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The CRPD was the first comprehensive, and fastest-negotiated, human rights treaty in the history of the United Nations.
Since coming into force in 2008, the Convention has been ratified by 185 member states.
Not only is this a testament to the growing solidarity on the rights of people with disabilities, but also a reflection of our shared aspirations.
Today, we are afforded the opportunity to further this shared aspiration. To draw upon the same collective spirit that saw the success of the Convention 15 years ago.
A success that has led to changed attitudes and approaches to people with disabilities.
And to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities for their meaningful participation in society.
We have achieved much…and yet, there is still so much more we can do.
Persons with disabilities are still among the most marginalized in crisis-affected communities.
And this pandemic has been no different.
People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected through loss of employment, non-inclusive social protection systems, and inadequate assistive technologies.
It is clear that as we embark on a post-COVID agenda, we must incorporate the viewpoints of the one billion people living with disabilities.
My friends,
I am trying to do my part.
In April, I convened an informal dialogue on “Accessibility to United Nations Headquarters”.
The dialogue centered on how the United Nations Headquarters can better implement the highest standards of accessibility.
I am proud to note that just last week, this conversation came to fruition, as my Office organized a training on accessibility and ways to improve inclusivity here at the UN headquarters in New York.
Excellencies,
People with disabilities are at a disadvantage regarding most Sustainable Development Goals. This was confirmed by the UN flagship report on disability and the SDGs in 2018.
In response to this, the General Assembly reaffirmed member states’ commitments to advancing the rights of people with disabilities in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SDGs, which it has done again in November 2021.
I urge that you continue to strive towards the mainstreaming of the rights of people with disabilities, including their views in all policy design and implementation.
And as you commence deliberations, I would encourage you all to commit to urgent and flexible implementation of accessibility programs and policies, including improved funding and resources.
Accessibility is not an issue that stands on its own but is a right that must be woven into all the work that we do.
I wish you all successful deliberations and convey my best wishes to all the candidates seeking election to the Committee.
I thank you.
