Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Chair.
On behalf of Mexico, and my own country New Zealand, I am pleased to introduce to Third Committee the draft resolution on ‘Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto: Participation.’
Mexico and New Zealand present this biennial resolution in recognition of the importance of implementing the Convention, and of ensuring the rights of all persons with disabilities are respected, protected and fulfilled.
This year’s resolution is focussed on the theme of participation in decision-making processes: a core principle of the Convention. The text highlights the importance of all States ensuring full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, and on an equal basis with others.
Our countries firmly believe that the implementation of the Convention should benefit all persons with disabilities.
Ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making processes in all areas of public life, including by improving accessibility, equal employment opportunities, and improved data collection, is essential to realising our international obligations, and to ensuring everyone has the chance to have their views considered
Reducing the barriers and addressing discrimination faced by persons with disabilities is critical to achieving equality for all, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. We welcome international recognition of the diversity of the disability community and an inclusive approach to implementation of the Convention.
While we had hoped to achieve further consensus to advance this work, including in relation to the rights of women and girls with disabilities, we are pleased that the resolution includes new language on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We appreciate Member States commitment through resolute action to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on persons with disabilities, and of ensuring an inclusive approach to all response and recovery efforts.
We are also pleased that this resolution acknowledges the important work of the United Nations system in relation to persons with disabilities, including the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Steering Committee on Accessibility. We look forward to continued progress and improved participation standards in this regard.
Finally, we wish to thank all delegations for their support for this resolution. We welcome the constructive engagement, willingness to look forward and the positive spirit shared throughout the negotiation process. In particular, we are pleased that Member States kept persons with disabilities at the centre of the discussions, enabling positive outcomes to be achieved from the negotiation process.
We look forward to continued implementation of the resolution following its adoption, including in partnership with civil society and other partners.
Thank you.