Human Rights Council 57th Session: Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Thank you Mr President,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Mexico and New Zealand, co-chairs of the Group of Friends of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and his presentation to the Council today.

We are concerned by the Special Rapporteur’s conclusions that Indigenous persons with disabilities often experience multiple and intersecting forms of individual and structural discrimination that create barriers to the full enjoyment of their rights.

This is particularly pronounced for Indigenous women with disabilities who face unique challenges due to the intersectionality of discrimination based on gender, race and disability.

The CRPD recognises the diversity of persons with disabilities, and that discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person.

A human rights-based approach to disability, emphasizing the empowerment, inclusion and full participation of all persons with disabilities in society, including Indigenous persons with disabilities, is critical for the full realisation of their rights. We also note the Special Rapporteur’s call for improved disaggregated global data on Indigenous persons with disabilities.

By ensuring that Indigenous persons with disabilities can thrive as full members of society, we uphold their dignity and contribute to an inclusive and equitable world for all.

Thank you