New role for local activist Vivian Rath
VIVIAN RATH from Kilmuckridge has been appointed to the first statutory advisory committee in Ireland to support monitoring of Ireland’s implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Mr Rath, the only County Wexford person appointed to the committee, has been a long-time campaigner for disability rights, internationally and especially across Wexford.
‘I am delighted to be able to give my time and bring my experience to the important work of this committee,’ said Mr Rath. ‘Having campaigned to have the UNCRPD ratified, I am pleased to be involved in monitoring that the Government does its job and fully implement it.’
Eleven members in total were appointed to their roles on the Disability Advisory Committee by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The Disability Advisory Committee is made up of a majority of people with disabilities and is brought together by the Commission to support its statutory function of monitoring Ireland’s implementation of the UN Convention.
Mr Rath’s recent campaign to promote greater inclusion of people with disabilities in public and political life receive national attention. The work, which was acknowledged by Trinity College Dublin, received an Equality Champion Award.
He is well known for his work to ensure there is improved access to public buildings, tourism offerings and disabled parking across the County. He has extensive experience providing supports to people with disabilities accessing education and employment opportunities. His Masters from TCD focused on the employment of people with disabilities and his PhD is focusing on the social experiences of students with disabilities in college.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission said the Members of the Disability Advisory Committee bring with them significant personal and professional experience, and wide expertise in relation to the rights of persons with disabilities in Ireland. The UNCRPD was ratified in 2018 more than a decade after being first signed by Ireland.