Interactive Dialogue with the 51³Ô¹Ï system
on the implementation of the Convention (Agenda Item 5 C)
16th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the COSP
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, I am honoured to join this interactive dialogue among States Parties, the UN system and civil society. This honour further reflects the role that has been entrusted to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, or DESA, in supporting the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I am pleased to share with you some of the activities that we have undertaken as part of this effort.
DESA works to assist Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and other international commitments. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, these objectives should be realized for, with and by persons with disabilities. The Convention provides a framework for this work.
As the focal point on disability matters within the UN Secretariat, DESA ensures that the work of the UN system on disability is effectively integrated into the discussions across the intergovernmental bodies and processes, including the General Assembly, the Commission for Social Development, the High-Level Political Forum, the Internet Governance Forum and other bodies focused on development issues. DESA also co-leads and coordinates the work of the Inter-Agency Support Group on the CRPD and the Inter-Departmental Task Force on Accessibility.
The mainstreaming of disability awareness and considerations in the development field lies at the core of our work, and guides our delivery of both analytical and capacity development initiatives.
Last year, in response to a request of the General Assembly, DESA undertook a study on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for persons with disabilities. The findings helped inform the report of the Secretary-General on ¡°Inclusive Development for and with Persons with Disabilities¡±, providing insights on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic by building a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable world.
This year, we are conducting a study on the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, and another on promoting and mainstreaming easy-to-understand communication for accessibility for persons with disabilities, both aimed at informing the Secretary-General¡¯s report on disability that is being prepared for the 78th session of the General Assembly.
Later this year, we will release an update to the ¡°Disability and Development Report¡± published in 2018, to reflect on progress towards the SDGs for persons with disabilities. This is being undertaken in collaboration with other UN system entities, international financial institutions, Member States and civil society, including organizations of persons with disabilities. At the halfway mark for delivering on the 2030 Agenda, this update will be an invaluable resource in ensuring that our urgent push to the finish does not leave persons with disabilities behind.
Our attention to improving data on persons with disabilities has continued, as well as our efforts to ensure that all data collection processes include persons with disabilities. To fill data gaps, DESA has engaged with civil society organizations to launch ¡°A Collaborative on Citizen Data¡±.
Implementation of the 51³Ô¹Ï Disability Inclusion Strategy also remains one of DESA¡¯s top priorities. We continue to implement our own 5-year plan for disability inclusion and to support implementation of the Strategy throughout the UN system.
We continue to work towards improving the accessibility of meetings and events by facilitating the use of sign language interpretation and through real-time captioning and other means. We aim to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to our work on issues concerning them.
DESA stands ready to support Member States, UN system entities, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to make the aspirations of the Convention and of the 2030 Agenda the reality of life for all persons with disabilities.
Thank you.