The week of the 16th Conference of States Parties kicked off with the Civil Society Forum on Monday, June 12 at the UN Headquarters in New York, convening in person for the first time since the pandemic.
Hosted by the Civil Society Coordination Mechanism and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Forum brought together representative organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) from across the world, including self-advocates, persons with psychosocial disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
A wide range of issues were on the agenda – from taking stock of where we are with the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to looking forward toward a disability-inclusive post-2030 agenda. Speakers and participants raised focus on data, inclusive education, deinstitutionalization, greater participation of children and youth with disabilities, and accessible cities to impact of the humanitarian crises on persons with disabilities.
The call from the disability movement was clear: "Leave no one behind" cannot remain a mere slogan for persons with disabilities. We need more action, more localization, and more investments in the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities. This year there was a special focus on accessibility for persons with intellectual disabilities and easy-to-understand communication.
The first session focused on taking stock of the CRPD and was moderated by Jose Viera, Director of Advocacy at IDA.
Speakers included: Bhargavi Davar, Transforming Communities for Inclusion (TCI), Nawaf Kabbara, Arab Organisation of Disabled Persons (AODP), Dominique Kantor, Fundación Visibilia Argentina ad Gopal Mitra, UNICEF.
The second session focused on moving towards a disability-inclusive post-2030 agenda, it was moderated by Diana Dalton (FCDO).
Speakers included: Mohammad Loutfy, G3ict and the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities, Gunta Anca, EDF, Jean Pierre Sibomana, Program Officer (Rwanda) Disability Rights Fund, Diane Bergeron, World Blind Union.
Special remarks were made by Guy Ryder, USG Policy at the Secretary General’s office. He highlighted some of the key areas of focus of ‘Our Common Agenda’ and how they link to the SDGs and the post-2030 agenda.
