Human Rights Council – 49th session

Item 3 Annual Debate on Rights of persons with disabilities

14 March 2022

Joint statement

It is an honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, Australia and my own country New Zealand.

We are pleased to participate in this annual debate and welcome the distinguised panelists and their contributions as well as the report presented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Our countries recognise the key role that statistical and research data plays in identifying and addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights. Collecting disability and sex disaggregated data enables us to formulate and implement policies that allow for a more inclusive society which recognises and values persons with disabilities as equal participants.

Our countries strongly support a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to data. We believe in using it to develop mechanisms to meaningfully and accurately measure progress in the implementation of each of the rights set out in the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities. We endorse the recommendations outlined in the report as they look to address the multiple and intersecting barriers persons with disabilities face. In particular we appreciate the focus on disability-inclusive policies, including equal respect for privacy, and freedom to seek and receive information in accordance with international law. We agree that, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, there is an opportunity to do more to close existing data gaps.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the work of the Special Rapporteur, Mr Gerard Quinn, whose ongoing commitment to inclusive equality has made it possible to advance the mainstraming of the rights of persons with disabilities in the Council and in the UN System. 

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