The Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum is urging the Commonwealth to move beyond symbolic gestures and take tangible steps toward advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Barbados Council For The Disabled, Harambee House, Garrison,
St Michael, recently, general secretary of the forum, Dr Richard Rieser, said that while the Commonwealth had made commitments on paper, it continued to fail in ensuring that disabled people – especially youth –
had a real voice in decision-making.
“There are so many talented disabled youth out there,” Rieser said.
“Each country has a Youth Parliament, and those parliaments elect delegates to a Commonwealth Youth Parliament, which is a great idea as it gives young people the experience of parliamentary government. But there is no mechanism, other than getting elected on your own merits, for disabled youth – and surprise, surprise, they don’t get elected.”
He suggested that the Commonwealth adopt measures to ensure representation for disabled youth.
“We think there should be some positive discrimination, where just two or three places are designated for disabled youth.
“It could be competitive across countries, but at least their voices would be heard because right now, they’re not,” he said.
Vice-president of the forum, The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, voiced similar concerns, noting that while nearly all Commonwealth members had pledged support for disability rights, few had followed through with action.
“Fifty-five of the 56 member territories have signed the Convention On The Rights Of Persons with Disabilities, but we want to see more meaningful implementation,” Ifill said.
“The Commonwealth itself should be driving this. There are over 100 accredited organisations within the Commonwealth, and while it runs many programmes and activities, very few reflect disabilities in their approach.”
She added that this December marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the convention, making it
an ideal time for renewed commitment.
To highlight the capability and leadership within the disabled community, Rieser pointed to the recent Regional Workshop To Advance Disability Inclusion, held in Barbados from last Tuesday to Thursday.
Around 20 disabled youth from 12 English-speaking Caribbean countries participated, tackling issues such as climate change, politics, employment, education and accessibility.
“Many of those young people have Master’s degrees and are pursuing even higher goals,” he said. “That shows the wealth of expertise that exists – but it’s being overlooked.”
Rieser said the forum’s ultimate goal was to have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan adopted by the heads
of government when they meet next year in Antigua.
“At the moment, disability isn’t even mentioned in the Commonwealth’s five-year plan,” he lamented. “We find that very disappointing. We want to make sure it becomes a real priority, not an after-thought.”
The press briefing came ahead of the Caribbean Disability Conference, themed Breaking Barriers: Advancing Educational Inclusion For Persons With Disabilities In The Caribbean, which began Friday and runs until Wednesday at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort.
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