UN bats for disability inclusion
Despite the agreement in the international community of groundbreaking frameworks to advance the rights of persons with disabilities — including in the context of development — there remains a significant gap between these ambitions and the reality experienced daily by millions of PWD.
According to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is among the world’s most widely ratified human rights treaties with 181 state parties and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development makes a firm commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the international community’s quest for peace and prosperity on a healthy planet.
But wide gaps remain between these ambitious steps and the daily reality faced by the world’s estimated one billion PWD, some 80 percent of whom live in developing countries where they are among the most marginalized in any crisis-affected community.
“The number of persons with disabilities living in poverty and hunger is higher than, and in some countries double, that of the general population,” the Deputy Secretary-General said in her remarks to the opening ceremony of the Doha International Conference on Disability and Development.
She said that compared to the general population, PWD face far more barriers when accessing health care. “Globally, the percentage of persons with disabilities who are employed is half that of persons without disabilities,” she said, adding that they are also less likely to attend school and complete primary education.
In all regions, stigma faced by PWD abounds, compounded by a lack of understanding of their rights, and of the value of their contributions to society. Mohammed stressed that stigma continues to fuel systemic discrimination, with PWD denied equal access to education, the work force, health care and opportunities to participate in public life.
“And, for many persons with disabilities, in particular women and girls, the discrimination is multiplied,” she said.
Compared to the general population, PWD face far more barriers when accessing health care.
“This situation is untenable. It goes against our collective commitment to human dignity, our obligations under international law and the strong business case for disability inclusion,” said Mohammed, declaring: “It is up to us — leaders from government, business, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities, international organizations and others — to turn this situation around.”
Earlier in her remarks, the UN deputy chief noted “the tireless efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser,” whom hailed as “one of the most dedicated advocates we have for improving education around the globe and ensuring no one is left behind, especially persons with disabilities.”