UNGA78: Third Committee: Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto: situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies

Thank you Chair.

New Zealand was pleased to co-facilitate, alongside Mexico, this year’s resolution on the rights of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies.

We present this resolution in recognition of the importance of implementing the Convention, and ensuring the rights of all persons with disabilities are respected, protected and fulfilled – acknowledging the difficult times that we find ourselves in.

This year’s focus on the participation and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including humanitarian emergencies, armed conflict, and disasters, is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring that we take a disability-inclusive approach, including in humanitarian preparedness, response and recovery action.

We are pleased to welcome the recognition of the diversity of the disability community in this text. Reducing barriers and addressing the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities is critical to achieving equality for all.

We are further pleased with the inclusion of language on the sexual and reproductive health of persons with disabilities. This is a critical element of realising the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly in situations of risk, where health-care services are not always accessible.

While we had hoped to reach further agreement to advance the implementation of the Convention, including in relation to the important work of the Security Council, [we are pleased to have achieved] a consensus outcome on such an important topic.

Ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities, including by improving accessibility, leadership opportunities, and disaggregated data collection, is essential to realising our international obligations.

We are also pleased that this text continues to acknowledge the important work of the UN system, including the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.

Finally, we wish to thank delegations for their support for this resolution. We have welcomed the constructive engagement, willingness, and the positive spirit shared throughout the negotiations.

We look forward to the continued implementation of this resolution, including in partnership with civil society.

Thank you.