The rights of persons with disabilities were formally recognised today, as world leaders gathered at the United Nations Summit in New York to officially adopt “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (now more popularly known as the ‘Global Goals’). Developed in partnership with representatives of the disability community, the Global Goals emphasise the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities as essential to building a sustainable world without poverty and discrimination.
Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities and their families worldwide, representatives of the International Disability Alliance and ADD International addressed world leaders following the Agenda’s adoption. Mr. Vladimir Cuk, Executive Director of the International Disability Alliance, and Mr. Mosharraf Hossein, Director of Policy Influencing of ADD International, recognised the fundamental shift for persons with disabilities created by the Global Goals.
“The new framework has opened doors for us to participate, to be included and to be recognised as active, contributing members of society”
Mr. Vladimir Cuk.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be realised utilising the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as its roadmap. Partnerships, with the inclusion of persons with disabilities, will be key.
“We need local and global solidarity. We need partnership between people of North and South, and ownership of people at the grassroots level”.
Mosharraf Hossein, ADD International, Director of Policy Influencing
“We, persons with disabilities, are ready to build a sustainable world without poverty and discrimination.”
Maryanne Diamond, Chair of the International Disability Alliance
“I hope that the new framework will break down barriers and open doors for us to participate, to be included and to be recognized as active contributing members of society without any discrimination or fear of being left behind”
Vladimir Cuk, Executive Director of the International Disability Alliance
“This is a great success and we believe this agenda has the potential to make a real difference for people with disabilities”
Priscille Geiser, IDDC Chair
Priscille Geiser, IDDC Chair further states that “this is a great success and we believe this agenda has the potential to make a real difference for persons with disabilities. While celebrating, we should also keep in mind that it is the result of a political agreement, and that constant vigilance will be required now onwards to avoid that human rights standards are diminished, especially for most discriminated groups, such as women with disabilities, people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, or people living in conflict affected areas. If SDGs are truly universal, they should be for all and not for most”.
Today, the world adopts a global charter for development that is more inclusive of persons with disabilities than any other previous development plan.
This time no one will be left behind.
More from ADD International on the SDG Summit
From Sightsavers, IDDC and IDA: View images from the Exhibition, Faming Perceptions, by Guardian photographer, Graeme Robertson. This Exhibition is featured at a celebratory reception on Friday September 25th, 2015
UN Enable: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Disability
UNICEF: Watch this video from UNICEF on the Post MDGs – Disability beyond 2015
International Disability Alliance (IDA): www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org
International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC): www.iddcconsortium.net
Source Article from IDDC
