EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Thank you, Chair.

On behalf of the European Union, I wish to start by congratulating Ms. Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame for her election as chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Ms. Oforiwa Fefoame,

The EU welcomes you to the Third Committee. As a party to the CRPD, the EU reiterates its support for the Committee and its work. We are strong advocates for the protection, promotion, and full enjoyment of all human rights for persons with disabilities. We encourage all States that have not yet done so, to ratify, accede to the Convention and implement their obligations under the CRPD.

Persons with disabilities are disproportionally affected by numerous barriers that continue to hinder their full, equal and meaningful participation in society. The EU will continue to act against all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls with disabilities, to promote and protect their human rights and to ensure their full and meaningful inclusion in our societies. This is, inter alia, enshrined in Article 17 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which is specifically dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities. The experiences and knowledge of persons with disabilities are indispensable in creating disability inclusive policies and actions.

The EU supports and works in close partnership with organizations of persons with disabilities  and other NGOs which promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and raises awareness through, for example, the annual celebration of the European day of persons with disabilities and the Access City Award.[DM(Y1] 

Ms. Oforiwa Fefoame,

How can States and UN agencies improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in decision-making processes to incorporate all voices including those of persons with disabilities?

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