UN Deputy Secretary-General Emphasizes Inclusion at Conference on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
New York, 13 June 2024 — UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed the opening of the seventeenth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today, highlighting the ongoing global efforts and challenges in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
In her speech, Mohammed extended a warm welcome to delegations from States parties, civil society partners, and all participants, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and collective action in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. She noted the near-universal ratification of the Convention, with 191 States committing to its principles.
Mohammed outlined three key areas of focus for the Conference: technology, humanitarian emergencies, and decent work. She stressed the need for increased investment in assistive technologies, better inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster planning, and more effective enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in employment.
“2.5 billion people globally need to use at least one type of assistive technology,” she stated, noting the disparity in access between low-income and high-income countries. She also highlighted the significant challenges faced by persons with disabilities in humanitarian emergencies, where many struggle to evacuate and access essential services.
Regarding employment, Mohammed pointed out that the employment gap between persons with and without disabilities remains nearly 30 percentage points. She called for more inclusive hiring practices and the enforcement of protections against discrimination.
Mohammed concluded by urging all participants to work together to close the gaps in rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, emphasizing the need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in conflict zones like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza, recognizing the severe impact on persons with disabilities.
The Conference, held in New York, aims to build on past achievements and address the pressing issues faced by persons with disabilities worldwide, ensuring their rights are upheld and translated into tangible progress.
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