(2nd meeting) 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19)

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.

Good afternoon. I call to order for the start of the second meeting of the 19th session of the Conference of the State Parties to the Convention on on the rights of persons with disabilities. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as you all would recall, when at the first meeting, when we proceeded with the agenda item 5A, the general debate, We deferred one item in the agenda item number 3, that is under the granting of accreditation to the NGOs. And as I indicated, so The conference decided to grant accreditation to the remaining NGOs that who submitted their applications, and accordingly, that they were invited to take part in this conference. And now it remains the decision on the NGO titled Full Life Inclusive Society Promotion Non-Governmental Organization. And may I invite the floor if there are any objection to the Granting of Accreditation to the Full Life Inclusive Society Promotion Non-Governmental Organization to take the floor now. I see no state party has requested the floor. May I take it that the Conference of State Parties wishes to grant accreditation to Full Life Inclusive Society Promotion Non-Governmental Organization. As there are no contrary views expressed, I proceed to announce that the Conference of State Parties grants accreditation to the Full Life Inclusive Society Promotion Non-Governmental Organization. And so decided. And I invite all the NGOs that who had been granted accreditation by the Conference of the State Parties to join at this conference. And I thank you all, the State Parties and all the parties that who discussed on this matter and then who reached consensus on this matter. Next item in the agenda is, in keeping with past practice, the conference also welcomes participation by National Human Rights Institutions, or NHRI, and the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions, Ganha as observers in this session of the Conference of State Parties. I see no objection. It is so decided. Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, we will now continue the general debate under item 5A of the agenda. And I was informed that we still have a rather long list of speakers inscribed. As announced earlier this morning, I would appreciate all speakers observing the 3-minute limit for your national statements, and that way you help all of us and this conference to exhaust the list of speakers as much as we can within the available time frame. And now I give the speaking opportunity to UNRWA. You have the floor.

Mr. President, I speak today in my capacity as a Senior Disability Advisor at UNRWA. At the outset, I would like to emphasize a fundamental principle of the CRPD and international human rights law for responsibility to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of persons with disabilities rests with the states. UNRWA work is therefore not a substitute for states' responsibilities, but part of the international commitment collective community to uphold the rights of refugees, including refugees with disabilities. Palestine refugees face diverse humanitarian challenges by occupation, recurrent conflict, protracted and repeated displacement, and socioeconomic marginalization. Against these backdrops, Palestine refugees with disabilities face disproportionate risks, barriers, and vulnerabilities. In Gaza, the situation for persons with disabilities is catastrophic. One each four 1 each, each, like each 4 individuals injured during the conflict has acquired a long, uh, lifelong disability. At least 35,000 people have sustained significant permanent hearing damage for repeated, um, explosion, and the number of life-changing injuries continued to increase daily, with Gaza now host the largest group of child amputees in modern history. Almost all UNRWA installations, approximately 91% of physiotherapy units in Gaza Strip, has been damaged or destroyed alongside many community-based rehabilitation centers. More than 90% of the population has experiences, experiences repeated displacement, making community care and disability case management extremely difficult. The situation is unfortunately the same in Lebanon, West Bank, and Syria. Despite these immense challenges, UNRWA continues advancing disability inclusion humanitarian action through a large amount of initiatives. As we look ahead to the next 20 years of CRPD implementation, we call on members of states to invest in predictability and flexible funding, ensure sustainable participation for persons with disabilities, and ensure the means—

I thank you for the statement. I now invite Her Excellency Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana to deliver a statement.

Chairperson, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, for Ghana, this conference is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. Over the past two decades, Ghana has remained steadfast in advancing the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Guided by the principles of the Convention, we have continued to strengthen our legislative policy and institutional frameworks to promote equality, accessibility, and participation. A key priority has been strengthening our legal framework. Ghana is advancing the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2026, currently before Cabinet, to align our national legislation more fully with the Convention and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. Cabinet has also approved the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while its core principles have already been incorporated into the proposed legislation. We have also taken concrete steps to promote economic empowerment and social protection. The government's allocation of the District Assembly's Common Fund for persons with disability has also increased from from 3% to 5%. This is to support the livelihoods, education, and healthcare of persons with disabilities. In addition, more than 147,000 persons with disability have been enrolled on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Program with access to National Health Insurance Scheme under the Big Push. To expand opportunities and foster inclusion, Ghana has implemented a free tertiary policy for persons with disability and has mainstreamed the Ghana Accessibility Standard into building regulations. Through our Digital Acceleration Project, persons with disabilities have been equipped with digital skills and assistive technologies to participate more fully in the increasingly global digital world. While we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that challenges remain. Employment gaps, attitudinal barriers, and unequal access to assistive technology continue to limit opportunities for many persons with disabilities. As we look to the future, we must ensure that digital transformation, emerging technology, and climate action become pathways to inclusion rather than new sources of exclusion. 20 years down the line, we hope to remove barriers to full participation. Ghana stands ready with all State Parties and partners to build a future in which disabilities are empowered not only to benefit from development, but to help shape it. I thank you.

I thank you, Excellency, and I now invite Her Excellency, Minister of Human Rights and

Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to represent Brazil on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, democracy, democracy, human rights, anti-ableism, diversity, and inclusion. Persons with disabilities are rights holders. Exclusion does not stem from their individual conditions, but from physical, communication, institutional, and attitudinal barriers that limit their full and effective participation in society. The Convention guides the development of policies aimed at promoting autonomy, accessibility, intersectionality, deinstitutionalization, and the social participation of persons with disabilities. There are 14.4 million persons with disabilities in Brazil, representing 7% of the population, the majority of whom are women, Black individuals, and older persons. I would like to highlight the new Living Without Borders plan, a cross-sectoral Brazilian initiative focused on governance and social participation and promoting the economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights. With an investment of $1.3 billion, approximately two-thirds of the actions have been completed or are underway, with progress achieved in health, education, social protection, and sports. In 2025, the number of enrollments of children with disabilities in enrolled in schools surpassed 2.5 million students, representing an 82% increase compared to 2021. We have also advanced in the National Care Policy as a shared responsibility among families, communities, the market, and state. This agenda contributes to recognizing and valuing work that has historically been invisible and unequally distributed, especially among women and mothers. We have made progress in implementing the Biopsychosocial Assessment of Disability, a human rights approach that goes beyond models centered on medical diagnosis, promoting greater equity and strengthening policies guided by the principle of human dignity. In the area of memory and truth, we're implementing an unprecedented program of reparation for persons affected by Hansen's disease and their children. Our duty is to safeguard the future by acknowledging past institutional violence so it's not repeated. The social participation of persons with disabilities remains a guiding is a guiding principle of our policies. The 5th National Conference on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reaffirmed the commitment to the principle that inspires this Convention: nothing about persons with disabilities without persons with disabilities. The participation of the National Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is attending this conference for the first time, reinforces importance of social participation in fostering more representative, democratic, and inclusive decision-making processes. Ladies and gentlemen, we reaffirm our commitment to the full implementation of the Convention, to strengthening international cooperation, and to the exchange of experiences among States Parties in order to accelerate the construction of more inclusive, accessible, and just societies. Thank you.

And in accordance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference and the General Assembly Resolution 80/1, I now ask Secretariat to play a video message from Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development of State of Palestine.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, 20 years ago the world adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a promise of dignity, quality, inclusion, and protection. Today, as the world gathers under the theme of celebrating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation, Palestine comes with a different reality. For the past 32 months, persons with disability in Palestine have endured displacement, destruction, hunger, disease, and the collapse of nearly every protection system we built over decades. 20 years after the adoption of the Convention, we should be discussing inclusion, and equal opportunities, instead in Palestine we are discussing survival. In Gaza, persons with disabilities, children, women, and older persons are exposed daily to severe health risks caused by the contaminated water, collapsed sanitation systems, waste accumulation, and overcrowded shelters. More than 70,000 rodent-related and parasitic infections have been reported. Today, nearly 1 in every 2 injured persons in Gaza is expected to live with a lifelong disability. Yet assistive devices, prosthetic and rehabilitation equipment remain severely restricted and blocked from entering Gaza at the very moment they are needed most. 9,200 children who have suffered amputations or permanent impairments need those devices. Many of those children still do not understand why they lost a limb, they lost sight or hearing. In the West Bank, including Jerusalem, movement restrictions, military incursions, infrastructure destruction, and forced displacement continue to prevent persons with disabilities from accessing health, rehabilitation, education, and social protection services. Despite these realities, the State of Palestine continues to fulfill its obligations under the Convention through the Ministry of Social Development, and with the support of the civil society, the UN agencies, international partners, we continue to provide social protection, rehabilitation, rehabilitation, psychological support, and cash assistance to persons disability, while unprecedented financial constraints caused by the continuing withholding of Palestinian revenues. Excellencies, our priorities are clear. First, we call for the immediate and unrestricted entry of assistive devices into Gaza. Second, we call for urgent financial support to sustain rehabilitation and care centers in the West Bank and Jerusalem. By the way, many of these institutions and Palestinian community organizations lived for more than 150 years and still providing social protection services. We need to support them. Third, we call for restoring rehabilitation and disability services, expanding emergency cash assistance. Persons with disabilities in Palestine are asking for rights already guaranteed under the international law: the right to live, the right to dignity, the right to protection, and the right to inclusion. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Convention, there is no time left for words alone. Real action is needed now to ensure that no person with disability in Palestine is left behind. Thank you. Thank you.

I thank for that statement. And may I now give the floor to World Federation of the Deafblind to deliver the statement for 4 minutes.

I'm speaking on behalf of the International Disability and Development Consortium. IDDC promotes inclusive international development and humanitarian action with a focus on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights for all persons with disabilities. The implementation of the disability-inclusive commitment on the global development frameworks influenced by Article 32, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs, and the Sendai Framework, are also critical to addressing the inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities. OPDs have a key role to play. We must ensure the systematic inclusion of persons with disabilities and OPDs in all future agreements. Now, we call on State parties to increase efforts to deliver the Convention, including by: laying the foundation for inclusion for the full enjoyment of human rights, including through innovative financing; secondly, measuring and monitoring inclusion's progress by setting ambitious targets with clear accountability mechanisms to ensure the progressive realization of the Convention; including by using the EUCAD DAC Disability Inclusion Marker, integrating validated and internationally comparable disability data collection tools into census and surveys, and acting on citizens' data from OPD and disability organizations. Third, ensuring that artificial intelligence is used as a tool for inclusion inclusion and not exclusion, and meaningful including OPDs in its consultation. Fourth, ensuring that progress on community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including children, girls, and women with disabilities, persons with psychosocial disabilities, and persons with intellectual disabilities, is not lost, and deinstitutionalization is urgently prioritized in Also, it is critical that survivors and OPDs lead these processes, ensuring the rights of Indigenous Peoples with Disabilities and addressing intersectional discrimination. IDDC, all members and partners, are ready to work with the Member States in this regard. I thank you for your time.

I thank you for that statement, and I now invite Her Excellency the Minister of Culture and Equality of Norway to deliver the statement.

In the dark 20 years of the CRPD, we have made important progress, yet significant work remains. I am proud to share that Norway has finally incorporated the Convention into the Human Rights Act. The Convention now applies as Norwegian law. It will take precedence over the legislation in case of conflict. By incorporating the Convention into the Human Rights Act, we are sending the strongest possible signal of the importance of the rights of persons with disabilities. But incorporation alone is not enough. Effective implementation is essential. Norway is therefore revising our national strategy for the equality of persons with disabilities. At the same time, we are advancing our CRPD project, strengthening knowledge in municipalities and public sector, and promoting participation to ensure equal rights everywhere. We express a strong commitment to a world free of exploitation, violence, abuse of persons with disabilities. Through our safeguarding model, Trigast, we are strengthening protection for vulnerable adults fully aligned with the CRPD. We are proud to expand this model. It will enhance prevention, awareness, and professional competence nationwide. Chair, nothing about us without us must move from principle to practice. I now give the floor to our youth delegate, Noura.

Chair, growing up with only 5% vision has taught me that disability does not limit my potential, barriers do. Equal access to education, employment, and inclusive infrastructure is essential for persons with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of life and contribute to stronger, more democratic and sustainable societies. Young persons with disabilities face both existing and new forms of exclusion, especially in an increasingly digital world. We must be heard and included in shaping the solutions, not only as leaders of tomorrow, but as active participants today. Chair, in times of global crisis and conflict, and setbacks to human rights and equality. We must ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Rights are never simply given to us. They're something we must continue to fight for and protect. Disability can affect anyone, whether it's temporarily or permanently. That is why the fight for inclusion and equal rights concerns us all. Thank you.

Thank you. And now give the speaking opportunity to Swedish Institute for Human Rights.

Distinguished delegates, the Swedish Institute for Human Rights would like to express that it is an honor to participate for the first time at the Conference of the State Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We were established in 2022 and we were accredited with A status in 2024. We are designated IMM and our work is centered on independently promoting and protecting human rights in Sweden and also particularly on promoting, protecting and monitoring the UN CRPD in Sweden. We underline the importance of maintaining a clear focus on the human rights model of disability to advance the rights of persons with disabilities under the Convention. In this context and in our work, we find it essential to engage in meaningful dialogue with OPDs. We see insufficient impact of the Convention in lawmaking, national practice, and outcomes. The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has given Sweden important recommendations to improve implementation based on observations that express concern about the gradual return to a medical approach to disability. Several ongoing reforms within education, accessibility, and social security risk increasing exclusion and risk going against the obligation to progressively realize economic, social, and cultural rights. Of particular concern is that state youth institutions and municipal services for persons with disabilities Often are organized in forms leading to institutionalization. Segregating structures within employment, housing, and education are cemented and in some ways worsening. It is important to underline that on the horizon are also some promising initiatives, including acquiring qualifications for personal assistance, considering introducing state funding for legal representation in court, and initiatives aiming at increasing competence regarding intellectual disability and autism. To conclude, we encourage Sweden and other states to advance the paradigm shift to a human rights model of disability, including by reviewing legislation and taking other progressive measures to ensure rights for all in national reform agendas and international cooperation. Thank you.

I thank you, and may I now give the floor to His Excellency, Minister of State, Minister for Social Security and Disability of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Chair, thank you. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of its adoption, the UK Government is strongly committed to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we continue to make progress towards implementation. At international level, as co-chair, the UK hosted the Annual General Meeting recently of Global Action on Disability, the GLAAD network, in Edinburgh alongside the International Disability Alliance.

With over 100 attendees, member states, multilaterals, foundations, disabled people's organizations, the event enabled partners to coordinate their strategies to advance disability rights and inclusion globally. At home, we continue to work closely with disabled people and their representative organisations, putting their views and voices at the heart of all that we do. Our new independent disability advisory panel is connecting the expertise of deaf and disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into the design and delivery of health and disability policy.

I am co-producing the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment with disabled people and the organisations that represent them and others.

We're continuing to work closely with the British Sign Language Advisory Board in implementing the British Sign Language BSL Act 2022, which includes departmental reporting to improve accessibility.

Our forthcoming The cross-government plan for disability will be a key step.

It'll set out a vision for what our government aims to achieve for disabled people in the longer term and a summary of initial steps that we've taken towards achieving it.

It will also set out priority next steps for the government to remove the barriers which confront disabled people and need to be removed.

This work is being supported by our lead ministers for disability, one minister representing the interests of disabled people and championing disability inclusion and accessibility in each government department.

We want to ensure positive progress on policy affecting disabled people right across government.

To make sure that this support is grounded in the principles of the Convention, We've produced an online training package for government officials which supports consideration of the treaty and the convention in their work.

Thank you. Thank you, Excellency. I now invite Her Excellency, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Syria comes to this occasion carrying the weight of more than a decade of conflict. Today, 1.5 million Syrians live with war-related disabilities, injuries from airstrikes, barrel bombs, chemical attacks, and landmines. Over 27% of Syrian households include at least one person with disability, and nearly half of adult disability cases are conflict-related. For most, a single incident of violence changed everything in a street, a marketplace, a school, or a home that should have been safe. Yes, Your Excellencies, we have many special needs and victims of war, But not every disability can be seen. Millions of Syrians carry psychological traumas, an invisible disability that an entire generation now bears. The themes of this conference—protection from exploitation, building resilient societies, and moving from participation to real representation—are not abstract for Syria. No, they are urgent realities. And we confront every day. Since the transition of December 8, 2024, Syria's National Strategic Plan 2026-2028 places persons with disabilities at the center of rebuilding, not at the margin, but as full citizens shaping the new state. It mandates rehabilitation programs, social protection, accessibility standards, and severe representation in national advisory boards. We have begun aligning our legislation with CRPD, including Articles 12, 19, and 27. But we cannot do this alone, my colleagues. We call on our international partners for targeted support in 3 areas: rehabilitation, infrastructure, mental health, psychological support, and inclusive education where enrollment for children with disabilities remains below 30%. What we owe to the woman who lost her leg to an airstrike and still demands her right to work, vote, and raise her children with dignity is not sympathy. It's a state built with her, not around her. Syria will not ask those left behind to wait any longer. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it is done." We will move from commitment to action and from promises to result. We will get it done. Thank you.

I thank you, Excellency, and now I give the floor to World Federation of the Deafblind.

Good afternoon, distinguished delegates, friends, and colleagues. I will ask my interpreter to read my speech. My name is Riku Virtanen from Finland, and I represent the World Federation of the Deafblind. As a board member of the Executive Committee, I am here on behalf of our President, Dr. Zania Darze. I am deafblind myself. The WFDB is a global, non-governmental advocacy organization by and for persons Persons with Deafblindness, established in 2001. The WFDB has 75 member organizations from 67 countries, as well as regional representatives. The WFDB is recognized as the unified and legitimate worldwide representative and voice of persons with deafblindness. Our motto is not "Nothing about us without us," But nothing about the deafblind without the deafblind. The WFDB represents the underrepresented, as the deafblind as a group are among the most underrepresented and socially excluded. Deafblindness is a distinct and diverse condition of combined hearing and vision impairments. It can be seen as a spectrum where deafblind individuals experience very different functional and participatory challenges. Persons with deafblindness have challenges accessing adequate services, such as interpreting. The WFDB are still lacking funding and have no personnel. That is why we are continually putting in the effort in organizing a global deafblind movement. We established a youth committee last year, and this year we are establishing a women's committee and are planning a committee for the elderly. I wish to take this opportunity to highlight the newly established International Day of Deafblindness, celebrated on the 27th of June. This day was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly on June 16th of last year. We wish to thank the 99 states that supported the establishment of the Day of Deafblindness. It may be a small task for politicians, but it has a huge impact for our lives and to the deafblind movement. The date of 27th of June celebrates the birthday of Helen Keller, an iconic figure in the deafblind community. By celebrating the Day of Deafblindness, we raise awareness of deafblindness as a distinct disability, as well as recognizing and promoting the rights of deafblind individuals. Thank you for your attention.

I thank you. And may I now invite His Excellency, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of Yemen.

Excellencies, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Yemen affirms that protecting the rights of persons with disabilities is a legal, moral, and developmental obligation that requires strengthened international partnerships and sustainable support, particularly in conflict-affected countries. Persons with disabilities in Yemen face compounded challenges because of the war waged by the terrorist Houthi militias, which has resulted in deteriorating basic services and limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, the Government of Yemen pursues its efforts in cooperation with partners in order to protect, empower, and integrate persons with disabilities into public life. In this context, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour has operationalized the compulsory 5% hiring quota in public and private sectors. In practice, the public sector has provided 170 job opportunities since the formation of the new government in early February 2026. Inspection and awareness-raising campaigns continue to uphold these rights in the workplace. Concrete steps have also been taken to improve accessibility in public facilities, schools, and hospitals, and to support rehabilitation, healthcare, and inclusive education programs. In addition, a center for the rehabilitation and care of children with disabilities has been established with funding from the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, reflecting the impor— stressed the importance of international and regional partnerships to support this segment of society. The government has also enhanced financial inclusion, supported livelihoods, and improved access to educational and rehabilitation services. These efforts strengthen the autonomy of persons with disabilities and their integration into society. Work is ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities to adapt public facilities to ensure ease of access and promote the autonomy, effective participation, and inclusion of persons with disability in society. In conclusion, we reaffirm our firm commitment to the CRPD principles. We call on the international community to strengthen cooperation and unify efforts to ensure— the microphone was cut off.

Thank you, Excellency. I now invite the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation to make the statement.

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons of persons with disabilities coincides with a period of systemic transformation of social policy in Russia. We've transitioned from a unified support architecture based on proactivity, equal opportunities, and genuine partnership with organizations of persons with disabilities. Allow me to highlight the concrete results achieved in recent years. Our first priority is the reform of the medical and social assessment system for determining disability. Citizens have gained the right to independently choose the form of their assessment, either in person or remote. Remote appeal procedures have been introduced. The list of more than 950 medical examinations has been streamlined. Their validity periods have been extended and duplicative procedures have been eliminated. Our second priority is comprehensive rehabilitation. Systematic— systemic legislative amendments have been adopted. 25 federal standards have been approved covering comprehensive rehabilitation from early assistance and social rehabilitation to prosthetics and orthotics. High functionality microprocessor-controlled prosthesis ICCs have been included in the federal list. Recommendations in rehabilitation programmes have become more detailed, and they are now evaluated according to uniform effectiveness criteria. Our third priority is long-term care and support for supported living. We are implementing a large-scale transition in this area. Living arrangements, supportive living arrangements for persons with mental impairments have been introduced. Instead of residential institutions, there are now small group homes and individualised support. In 2026, more than 7,000 people are receiving services in formats that promote independence and inclusion in community life. At the same time, the long-term care system continues to expand. It now covers all of the regions of the country, and more than 59,000 care professionals have been trained. Our fourth priority is the principles of the social treasury and proactive benefit payments. We've completed the transition to a model under which support measures are granted automatically automatically upon the occurrence of a life event. Since 2020, disability pensions and monthly cash benefits have been provided proactively without the need for applications or visits to government offices on the basis of data from the Unified Digital Platform for Social— the social sector. During this period, more than 6 million benefit payments have been granted automatically, and this has completely eliminated bureaucratic barriers and ensured the timely receipt of support. Our fifth area of focus is digitalization and the expansion of accessibility. The electronic certificate mechanism has become fully extraterritorial. It covers the acquisition of assistive rehabilitation devices, sign language interpretation, and beginning this year, food for guide dogs. Compensation payment processing times have been cut in three. Legislative requirements have been established to ensure the accessibility of tourism infrastructure. There are standards for reasonable accommodation in the workplace, and state recommendations have been approved for the preparation of easy-to-read texts for persons with disabilities. We recognize that achieving the objectives of The convention requires continuous effort. Russia will continue to expand supported living and long-term care, to introduce artificial intelligence into the social sector, and to further develop human resources.

I thank you, Excellency, for this statement. And I now invite World Blind Union.

Mr. Chair, Mr. President, Madam Speaker, and distinguished delegates. Over the last two decades, we have assessed the implementation process of UNCRPD, and it has been demonstrated indisputably that instead of achieving the ultimate goal of inclusion, we still are being excluded. The reason of exclusion, persistent exclusion, is the non-inclusion of persons with disabilities in all programs, service delivery systems, mainstream legislation and policies. We are continuing to build infrastructure, develop communication systems, develop service delivery models without considering disability as a part of the recipient of the fruits of those developments. Now time has come when we enter the next decade that we have to mainstream disability in order to achieve the ultimate goal of inclusion. Unless we do that, we will continue in the next decade also to state and make statement to the same effect that we are making today. Therefore, I urge upon the member states to relook and come out of the disability-specific policies and legislation and converge the disability-specific legislation and policies with— into— integrate them into mainstream legislation. Let us build society for persons with disabilities and not keeping them a constituency separate from other citizens. Thank you very much.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia for the statement.

Thank you. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address the Conference of State Parties on behalf of the Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia and on behalf of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions . As we mark two decades since the adoption of the CRPD, we have much to recognize. The Convention has transformed the understanding of disability from a medical and welfare issue into a matter of human rights, equality, and dignity. However, persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers to the full enjoyment of their rights, and the gap between legal commitments and lived realities remains a pressing concern. In this context, national human rights institutions and independent monitoring mechanisms established under Article 33 of the Convention play a crucial role. Through monitoring, recommendations, and engagement with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, they help identify systematic shortcomings, promote accountability, and support reform. Independent monitoring is not merely a procedural requirement. It is an essential safeguard for accountability and effective implementation of the Convention. One of the key themes of this conference is support systems that enable independent living and inclusion in the community. This discussion in particular is particularly timely, as many persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers to the effective enjoyment of the rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Convention. We will further reflect on these issues tomorrow during our side event entitled "Deinstitutionalisation under the CRPD: Perspectives and Practice," which will provide an opportunity to discuss current developments, challenges, and promising practices across Europe within The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, which brings together 51 European NHRIs, including through its CRPD Working Group comprising 40 NHRIs, members continue to monitor and assess the implementation of Article 19 of the Convention. As we look towards the next phase of CRPD implementation, we encourage State parties to strengthen support for national human rights institutions and independent monitoring mechanisms, including through adequate mandates, resources, and institutional independence. We also emphasize the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in their representative organizations in the development, implementation, and monitoring of laws, policies, and measures affecting them. Only through accountability, participation, and sustained commitment How can we ensure that the promise of the Convention becomes a reality for all persons with disabilities?

Thank you. I thank you for the statement, and may I now give the floor to Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines for their statement.

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake recently hit the southern Mindanao area of the Philippines, my country. This serves as a solemn reminder of our shared vulnerability to natural disasters. While such events impact entire populations, the consequences are disproportionately severe for persons with disabilities. Our obligations under the CRPD and the Sendai Framework are explicit. We must ensure the protection, inclusion, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all disaster risk reduction and humanitarian efforts. To meet these commitments, we must first ensure all early warning systems are available in accessible formats, Second, design inclusive evacuation procedures and emergency shelters. Third, invest in accessible infrastructure and inclusive recovery programs. Fourth, utilize disaggregated data to ensure persons with disabilities are visible in disaster statistics. It is crucial that we must move beyond mere consultation and ensure the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in every stage of planning, implementation, and evaluation. They must be recognized as partners, leaders, and agents of change. As the international community gathers today to reaffirm its commitment to the CRPD, let us evolve our guiding principle We must not move— we must move— we must move beyond nothing about us without us to a more comprehensive standard. It should now be nothing without us. Thank you very much.

Thank you. And now I invite United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, for the statement.

President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates and guests. The United Nations Population Fund is honored to mark the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark treaty that affirmed disability rights as human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. 20 years later, significant gaps remain. Fewer than half of women and girls with disabilities have their family planning needs met, and they continue to face barriers in accessing information, services, and protection. Women and girls with disabilities are also up to 10 times more likely to experience sexual violence, including in homes, institutions, communities, and increasingly in digital spaces. These realities reflect persistent exclusion from systems, policies, and decision-making processes. This is why disability inclusion remains central to UNFPA's mandate and strategic plan. Through the We Decide Global program and other initiatives, UNFPA is supporting disability-inclusive sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services in more than 80 countries. We are strengthening inclusive care and support systems addressing the intersection of unpaid care and disability, which disproportionately impacts women with disabilities as both, as both providers and recipients of care. We are working to ensure that women and young persons with disabilities can exercise bodily autonomy free from violence, coercion, and discrimination. Progress also requires visibility. UNFPA has contributed to strengthening disability-inclusive population data systems, including by supporting the integration of the Washington Group questions into census and survey instruments now used in more than three-quarters of national censuses globally. This has helped make persons with disabilities more visible in national statistics, policy design, and resource allocation. Still, important gaps remain in ensuring data fully captures intersectional inequalities, particularly around age, multiple disability types, and geographic location. As we look ahead, implementation of the CRPD must move beyond consultation towards leadership. Women and young persons with disabilities must meaningfully shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives rights, and futures. Thank you.

Thank you for your statement. And may I now invite Her Excellency, Minister of Social Welfare of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Representatives of organizations for persons with disabilities, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone and the people of Sierra Leone. Today's gathering presents another opportunity to reaffirm our global commitment to addressing the persistent and growing challenges faced by millions of persons with disabilities worldwide. The theme of this conference is particularly significant because it reminds us that sustainable development, social justice, and human rights cannot be achieved unless persons with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of society. Distinguished delegates, the Government of Sierra Leone remains firmly committed to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals through a disability-inclusive approach. One of the most significant achievements in our disability inclusion journey is the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011, which remains the cornerstone of disability rights protection in Sierra Leone. The Act provides comprehensive legal framework and prohibits discrimination against persons with disability and promotes equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, transportation, access to public services, political participation, sports, recreation, and community life. A major outcome of the Act was the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, The Commission serves as the principal institution mandated to coordinate, promote, monitor, and advocate for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities throughout the country. Sierra Leone greatly appreciates the support of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities funds through the implementation of disability-inclusive programs supported by the fund. The Government of Sierra Leone recognizes that poverty, disproportionately affect persons with disability. In response, we have continued to strengthen disability-inclusive social protection systems through cash transfer programs supported by the government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank. Vulnerable households, including households headed by or containing persons with disability, have benefited from financial assistance aimed at improving livelihood and reducing poverty. As a result of the support for the UN Indian Fund, we have constructed a specially-abled village for 60 households headed by persons with disability and refurbished and equipped different skills training centers for persons with disability. Regional cooperation remains a critical component of advancing disability rights. Sierra Leone is therefore proud to work closely with fellow ECOWAS member states in promoting disability-inclusive development across West Africa. One important area of collaboration is strengthening of disability data system and—

Thank you, Your Excellency. And I now invite His Royal Highness Lord Chamberlain at the Royal Hashemite Court and President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of Jordan to make the statement.

Your Excellencies, dear friends, 20 years after the adoption of the CRPD, the world has witnessed significant progress in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in education, employment, health, accessibility, and many other areas. Yet we must ask ourselves an important question: Have we truly done enough? Some member states have made disability inclusion a genuine priority and have achieved remarkable progress, while others have done only the minimum or very little at all. So in the final analysis, where are we? What grade would you give the Convention as a whole? An A, a B+, a B-, or a C? I think it would be very interesting to know what the consensus among persons with disabilities around the world would be. Would they say bravo to their governments? Many thanks for the great effort? Or would they be dismayed and disillusioned? Allow me to offer three reflections. First, meaningful and lasting progress can only be achieved when disability inclusion is championed at the very highest levels of government. Not through symbolism or occasional statements, but through genuine commitment, understanding, and leadership. When disability becomes a clear national priority, sustained progress becomes far more likely. Second, success is fundamentally about ownership. Every member state, regardless of its circumstances, must develop a realistic national strategy enact effective legislation, allocate resources, and invest in capable people and institutions. While many developing countries cite limited resources as a major challenge, experience shows that when governments demonstrate serious commitment and invest in their— invest their own resources, international partners are far more likely to provide support. Ownership attracts partnership. Third, donor countries and development agencies should make disability inclusion a central consideration in development assistance, just as gender has become. In most cases, a disability component can and should be integrated into development programs. This sends a clear message that disability inclusion is not optional, but is essential. In Jordan, we do not claim to have all the answers. We still have much work ahead of us and we have learned many lessons along the way. However, we are striving to strengthen national ownership and to accelerate progress, particularly in inclusive education, political participation, deinstitutionalization, inclusive tourism, and other areas. Despite all the upheaval in our region, I'm glad to say that we are on a good trajectory upwards.

Thank you, His Royal Highness, for the statement. And I now invite His Excellency, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development of Samoa.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Talofalava. On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, it is an honor to address the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also acknowledge the dedication and commitment that have advanced this Convention over the past 19 years. Guided by the Fa'asamoa, we measure progress through the dignity, participation, and inclusion of our people. Samoa has translated commitment into action. First, we have operationalized our National Policy for Persons with Disability 2021-2031, supported by the National Action Plan. Second, Samoa is strengthening support through an increase in our Disability Benefit Scheme, a dedicated 20% Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusive Jetsi, fund under the District Development Program, and a 2 million tala— Samoan tala investment in safe shelter and hygiene facilities for vulnerable families. Together, these initiatives strengthen inclusivity, build community resilience, and ensure that no one is left behind. We also continue to strengthen the inclusive education and health systems through targeted investments that support equal participation. Specialized teaching, and improved access to services. While acknowledging our progress, crucial challenges persist across education, health, employment, technical communication, and infrastructure accessibility. Equal challenges in prevailing cultural narratives that view persons with disabilities as vulnerable recipients of care rather than active participants in society. Mr. President, Samoa reaffirms its commitment to the Convention and believes that inclusion is an act of leadership. The next chapter of the CRPD must not be written about persons with disabilities. It must be written with them, led by them, and measured by the lives they are empowered to transform. As we look to the future, Samoa believes that persons with disabilities are not waiting to be included in development. They are ready to lead. Our responsibility is to ensure that nothing stands in their way. On that note, we believe that Samoa Miss Fortino Utumapu will contribute greatly to the CRPD Committee. We thank you for your support and trust in her. Lastly, we call on our international partners to continue supporting this effort through a successful, coordinated, and inclusive Multi Protocol Cooperation, FAVTAI. Thank you.

I thank you, Your Excellency, and I now invite the representative from RIADIS to make a statement from the designated NGO speaker seat.

Gracias, Excellencies. Mi nombre es Antonio Palma López.

Thank you. I'm Antonio Palma López. And today I'm speaking to you from Latin America where 85 million persons with disabilities live through realities that contradict the Convention. It's not a secret that we're one of the most excluded groups that are at the most risk of our human rights being violated and facing violence, including sexual violence. This does not describe an isolated problem, it describes a human rights crisis. 20 years after signing the Convention and with 4 years to go until the end of the SDGs deadline, our region has demonstrated commitment. We have organized regional summits, built common agendas, and articulated clear priorities. However, we cannot continue to move forward alone. Governments and international cooperation must rise to this urgent situation. For this reason, we are launching a strong appeal. First, that the commitments of the Amman and Berlin Declaration be translated into real financing. The 15% goal for inclusion cannot remain an aspiration. Second, the participation of organizations of persons with disabilities be binding and not symbolic. Meaningful participation is a principle, not just an aspiration. And we've seen that in particular organizations led by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, LGBTIQ individuals continue to face barriers accessing resources and decision-making. Third, intersectionality ceases to be a concept and becomes practice. If discrimination is intersectional, our response must be intersectional also. This is what the Berlin Declaration affirms, and this is how it must be reflected in every law, public policy, and cooperation mechanism. I'd like to underscore the— global call to action for youth with disabilities, which reminds us that participation cannot be symbolic and that intergenerational work is essential to leave no one behind. Their message is clear: without youth with disabilities in decision-making, there is no possible inclusive future. Excellencies, today we do not ask for charity, we ask for coherence. The CRPD is not celebrated, it is complied with, and complying with it means guaranteeing that no person with disabilities, regardless of their diversity, has their human rights violated. We are working for human rights and we stand ready to work with governments, aid workers, and civil society to close these gaps. However, we need this commitment to be shared. Sustained and funded. Because in our region and in the world, the Convention cannot continue and must no longer just be a promise. It must be a reality. Thank you very much, Excellencies.

I thank you, and I now invite Public Defender of Georgia to make the statement.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I am honored to address this conference on behalf of the Public Defender of Georgia, the country's national human rights institution and independent monitoring mechanism under the Convention. Since Georgia ratified the Convention in 2014, our office has monitored its implementation and advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities. Our monitoring shows that while important legislative and policy development have taken in place, the key challenge today is ensuring that persons with disabilities can exercise their rights equally, independently, and without barriers in their daily lives. Meaningful participation remains one of the areas requiring continued attention. Persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in influencing decisions that affect their lives. The next phase of implementation must must move beyond participation as presence and towards participation as influence, representation, and leadership. Independent living and community inclusion remain equally important challenges. Despite ongoing efforts to expand community-based services, access to personal assistance, rehabilitation, and other support services remain insufficient to meet existing needs. Long waiting lists, limited service capacity, and unequal geographical coverage continue to restrict opportunities for many persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in community life. Equal access to healthcare and other essential services remain a challenge. Accessibility and reasonable accommodation are essential for ensuring equality and the effective enjoyment of human rights. This year's focus on freedom from exploitation, violence, and abuse is particularly timely. Persons with disabilities, especially those living in institutional settings, and persons with psychosocial disabilities continue to face heightened risk of violence and significant obstacles in accessing justice and effective remedies. As we look ahead, The success of the next phase of CRPD implementation will be measured by whether persons with disabilities can make their own voices, participate equally in public life, access services without barriers, and live with dignity, autonomy, and full inclusion in their communities. The Public Defender of Georgia remains committed to work— committed to working alongside persons with disabilities their representative organizations, public institutions, and international partners to advance this shared goal. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now invite the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, or UN Women, to make the statement.

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of UN Women, thank you for giving me the Gender equality is one of the general principles of the Convention. In the past 20 years, there has been increased recognition of the rights, leadership, and contributions of women and girls with disabilities, and the importance of an intersectional approach to human rights. Yet major gaps remain. For example, only 1% of countries have quotas for women with disabilities in local deliberative bodies. Among women ages 60 and over, 62% of those with disabilities reported an increase in childcare responsibilities during COVID-19 compared to 33% for other women. UN Women's contributions to address these gaps with partners include supporting the participation of women with disabilities in elections and political dialogues, more accessible gender-based violence services and gender transformative and disability inclusive care and support, inclusion of vendors with disabilities in local markets, access to finance through loans and grants, Integration, integration of disability disaggregated data in disaster risk governance and gender data indicators. Innovation through AI-based prosthetics restoring mobility for women. Despite progress across the globe, no country has achieved gender equality, and women and girls with disabilities continue to face unacceptable violations and forms of discrimination. The ongoing pushback and backlash against gender equality, diversity, and inclusion also erodes at our hard-earned gains. At the international level, we must uphold human rights and multilateralism, including by supporting the human rights treaty bodies. In this regard, UN Women affirms its commitment to collaborating with the CRPD Committee and welcomes the decision of the CEDAW Committee to elaborate a general recommendation on women with disabilities. We stand ready to continue working with all stakeholders to achieve human rights for women and girls in all their diversity. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now invite Her Excellency, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities of South Africa.

Tshepheseng, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we are deeply honored by the opportunity to participate in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD. South Africa did not only contribute to the drafting of the Convention and its Optional Protocol in 2002, we signed and ratified them in 2007 and commenced the process of domestication in 2008, resulting in the adoption of our White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015. Our White Paper is anchored on 9 pillars: which include, among others, the removal of barriers to access and participation, the support of sustainable integrated community life, and the reduction of economic vulnerability. For South Africa, disability inclusion is a constitutional imperative. It is at the heart of the supreme law of the land, and our view is that disability inclusion should be at the center of everything we do. Some of our notable recent achievements include the Disability Inclusive Service Delivery Monitoring Tool, the Disability Inequality Index, the Climate Change Impact and Disability Research Initiative, Disability Rights Awareness Month, and the elevation of disability inclusion into the center and the legacy of our G20 presidency. With strengthened enforcement mechanisms, We are on course to achieve 5% employment equity for persons with disabilities in the public service and 7% disability-inclusive public procurement by 2026. We are part of the implementation of the disability-inclusive climate change, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian response in line with Article 11 of the CRPD, the Sendai Framework, and the Paris Agreement. In a changing world, South Africa recognizes the importance of advancing digital accessibility, assistive technologies, artificial intelligence, and accessible public information systems in advancing inclusion. As part of our G20 Legacy Projects, we're in the process of developing a Disability Inclusion NEF Center of Excellence. This center will enhance our ability to plan effective effectively, allocate resources equitably, manage disability data, and monitor progress with accountability and transparency. Our disability inclusion measures will remain rooted in the principles of equality for all, the full enjoyment of rights, alertness to intersecting layers of discrimination, and the imperative of social and economic protection. We call on all State Parties to accelerate the implementation of the CPRD and ensure the meaningful participation of organizations of and for persons with disabilities. I thank you.

Thank you, Her Excellency. And may I now invite Her Excellency, Minister Delegate for Personal Independence and People with Disabilities, attached to the Minister for Health, Families, Minister for Personal Independence and People with Disabilities of France to make the statement.

Merci, Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, Mr. President. This year we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 20 years following its adoption, it's no longer just a question of reaffirming these rights, but also and above all of guaranteeing that they are effective. France takes this opportunity to reiterate its full support for the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Their comments constitute a compass for each state. That is why France put forward a candidate for the election of new members to the committee this year, namely Marie Rabattelle, President of the Francophone Association of Autistic Women, who is committed to the fight against violence. France also reaffirms its support for the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and the goals that have been set on universal accessibility, inclusive education, employment, and participation in political life. The three priorities of this conference are fully aligned with France's commitments. Building more inclusive and more resilient societies that is designed to guarantee effective access to fundamental rights, including to health and to care. France is thus continuing its work to combat persistent obstacles in common law, including, um, through the deployment of, uh, disability contact points in healthcare establishments and the development of adapted, uh, care courses. We also must combat all forms of violence and discrimination. France has adopted a dedicated action plan on the intimate, emotional, and sexual life of persons with disabilities that was co-created with the persons in question. It aims to ensure that each each person has their dignity, their integrity, and their fundamental freedoms respected. Particular attention is paid to women and to children with disabilities who are more significantly exposed to sexual violence. Prevention, identifying violence, the training of professionals, and support for victims with disabilities takes pride of place in that. Lastly, the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life. Is a democratic imperative. The Law of the 23rd of March, 2019 was a historic milestone. It opened up the rights to vote to protected persons. In accordance with Article 29 of the Convention, France is continuing its commitment to lifting legal, financial, administrative, and technical barriers that are still hindering the exercise of public office by persons with disabilities. The Law of the 22nd of December, 2025 on the creation of the local elected official status, enshrines the right to accommodations for elected officials with disabilities. These issues are at the heart and will be at the heart of the National Disability Conference that will be organized this month under the authority of the President of the Republic. France continues to act based on a simple conviction, that is that the rights of persons with disabilities are universal human rights which must be guaranteed in full everywhere and for all as we mark this 20th anniversary.

I thank you, Excellency, and may I now invite Down Syndrome International to deliver a statement from the designated NGO seat.

It's red. Go ahead. Go.

I was going to say, thank you, Chair. My name is Janet Charchuk, and I am from Canada. I am also a board member of Down Syndrome International. We are the global network of people with Down syndrome and their families. It has been 20 years since the CRPD, but people with disabilities still have some of the worst health in the world, and people with intellectual disabilities are some of the, some of the most left behind. At Down Syndrome International, we asked our community about their healthcare. This is the one thing we heard. They did not allow my personal assistant to stay with me in the emergency room while I was feeling bad and frightened. I could not speak or make gestures. I cannot communicate without my personal assistant. This was not one bad day at one hospital. It is happening everywhere. This is shown in the Down Syndrome International Humanity and Inclusion report called "Our Say." in our health. People with intellectual disabilities are turned away. We are talked over. We are treated without our consent. And we are shut out of decisions about our own bodies. So what are we doing something about it? We are making new training, it will help organizations of people around the world to speak up for better healthcare in our own countries. The people closest to the problem in their own countries, the people closest to the problem can lead to change. We are also co-chairing the first work stream of the WHO that is the Disability Health Equity Network. This network brings together governments, researchers, and organizations. Of persons with disabilities and other NGOs. But we cannot do this alone. We ask that state parties to do 3 things. Number 1, to fund and support organizations of people— persons with disabilities. This includes organizations of people with intellectual disabilities. We need to be part of the health policy. Number 2 is to include us when health services are designed, not just ask us about them afterwards. And number 3 is to measure the progress us by results in our lives, not by promises on paper. The 20 years of the CRPD is long enough, but the next 20, it needs to be different.

Thank you. I thank you for the statement, and I now invite His Excellency Ambassador permanent observer of the League of Arab States to make the statement.

Thank you, Mr.

President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegation. First of all, on behalf of the League of Arab States, I would like to congratulate all of the members that have been elected, including the Arab elected member from Jordan, in the context of the elections that have been organized at this session., and we look forward to working seriously with them to effectively implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The 19th session of the Conference of States Parties is— holds special significance because it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the convention's adoption. This is an opportunity to examine the progress that has been made to strengthen their rights and inclusion in in society thanks to local, regional, and international efforts to implement this convention. Technological progress, innovation, and artificial intelligence have brought about a qualitative transformation in the implementation of social and economic inclusion policies for persons with disabilities. Notwithstanding these achievements, humanitarian crises, public health crises, and armed conflict, particularly in the Arab region, continue to have deleterious effects on the enjoyment of fundamental rights by persons with disabilities. We are deeply concerned by the situation of peoples with disabilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, and we reaffirm the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and of responding to their needs without any discrimination. Equally, The League of Arab States continues to work with member states and international partners, and we continue our tireless efforts to implement the convention. We created the second decade for persons with disabilities in 2023 to 2032. This decade promotes the use of technology and innovation to strengthen the empowerment, independence, and full participation of persons with disabilities. Responsibilities in the context of sustainable development. We are also proud of our partnership with the United Nations system, its specialized agencies, and we thank them for their tireless efforts in the Arab region. To conclude, Mr. President, the League of Arab States, as a regional governmental forum of states parties to the convention, will continue its joint work to build more inclusive, more just societies where no one is left behind, societies where persons with disabilities enjoy their rights and where their dignity is preserved and so that persons are protected and their fundamental rights and dignity is preserved. Thank you.

I thank you for that statement. And may I now invite Her Excellency, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, of the Republic of Cyprus to make the statement on behalf of Group of Friends of Culture. For 5 minutes.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Culture. Culture is central to human dignity, identity, and belonging. It is through culture that people express themselves, transmit knowledge and heritage, and contribute to the richness of our shared humanity. Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural life on an equal basis with others, including through the recognition and support of their specific cultural and linguistic identities, such as sign languages and deaf culture. Yet, disability Despite important progress, many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to the full enjoyment of their cultural rights. As reaffirmed in UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the defense of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative inseparable from respect for human dignity. We therefore stress the importance of ensuring equal access to culture and heritage and of enabling persons with disabilities to participate fully in cultural life and to maintain and develop their cultural and linguistic artistic identities. This includes promoting accessible cultural institutions and content as well as inclusive approaches to the digitalization of cultural heritage. Persons with disabilities have made extraordinary, extraordinary contributions to the richness and diversity of human creativity. Across cultures and throughout history, they have helped shape and enrich the cultural genius of humanity. Ensuring their full participation in cultural life is therefore not only a matter of rights, dignity, and inclusion. It is essential to safeguarding the diversity of cultural expressions and the creative potential of humankind. The Group of Friends of Culture remains committed to advancing culture as a force for inclusion, dignity, and cultural rights, and to promoting the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of cultural Live. Thank you.

I thank you, Excellency, for the statement. And may I now invite Her Excellency, Vice Minister for Social Action and for Social and for Inclusion of Portugal.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is important to acknowledge our collective progress, but also to affirm with renewed ambition that there is still work ahead of us. Portugal is firmly committed to this global agenda. Our National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030 approved in March reaffirms the Convention as the cornerstone of our public policies. It reflects our—

and also inclusion as a national priority, centered on autonomy, accessibility, and full participation throughout all stages of life. The progress achieved over the past 20 years is evident in many areas, but we have to continue raising political commitment institutional capacity, and more effective, sustained, and results-oriented implementation.

Portugal has sought to contribute to this shared effort by strengthening its strategic and institutional framework. Our new strategy, supported by action plans with clear targets, indicators, and responsibilities, demonstrates our determination to build on existing progress while addressing remaining challenges. The strategy is built around 4 priorities. First, we have strengthened the human rights-based approach by promoting independent living, universal access to services, and the fight against inequalities. Second, we have focused on transforming our local communities, as it is in these communities that people live and need to have their rights guaranteed. Third, we have focused on reducing school dropout rates and promoting inclusive employment, ensuring equal opportunities throughout the life course. Fourth, we have invested in governance and data, recognizing that effective policies require disaggregated data and continuous monitoring. As part of this effort, Portugal considers particularly important to strengthen public policies that translate rights into tangible results in the daily lives of persons with disabilities. In the field of inclusive education, we have seen a steady increase in the number of students benefiting from learning and inclusion support measures. In the area of independent living as well, Portugal has been consolidating initiatives aimed at ensuring greater autonomy and self-determination.

The Independent Living Support Service has now been integrated into our social protection system, and 35 Independent Living Support Centers are currently operating across the country.

By the end of this year, we will further expand this network and achieve nationwide coverage. Celebrating 20-year anniversary of the Convention is therefore—

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. May I now invite Her Excellency, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus, for the national statement.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is my honor to address this conference at a particularly significant moment, the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to also share the following in my national capacity. The Convention remains a landmark human rights instrument and a powerful reminder that dignity, equality, accessibility, and inclusion must remain at the center of our policies and actions. Safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities is not merely a legal obligation, but also a fundamental human rights responsibility and a democratic imperative essential to ensuring dignity, equality, and inclusion. This conference provides an important opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved while also recognizing the challenges ahead. We must continue working towards the full inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. Cyprus attaches particular importance to the role of organizations of persons with disabilities in line with the principle of nothing about us without us. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Cyprus has placed the issue of persons with disabilities among its priorities. Since 2006, Cyprus has enriched in national legislation the obligation to consult representative organizations on all issues concerning persons with disabilities. This approach has led to important initiatives, including the adoption of a new law in April 2026, as well as improvements in service design and delivery. In this context, we underline the importance of advancing supported decision-making services. Empowering persons with disabilities to make their own choices is essential to inclusive rights-based societies. This was also the focus of the high-level conference we hosted in Cyprus this May, aimed at providing a comprehensive platform for discussions on disability from political technical and civil society perspectives. As the current presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus is committed to promoting an autonomous union of values that leaves no one behind. Cyprus will continue to work closely with the EU, the UN member states, the United Nations, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities to advance a full and effective implementation of the Convention. Let us use this 20th anniversary as a renewed call for action.

I thank Your Excellency for the statement and I now acknowledge and invite Arab Organization of Disabled People to make the statement. Tayyib al-Rais.

There is a Lebanese man called Mohammed who is 9 years old. He spoke about the reality of war and he said, we just want to live in safety. We want our homes. Our houses. We don't want children and older people to die. He spoke about children who are sleeping in schools and in the streets. He spoke about the people who were trying to help one another by providing food and milk for young children. What he said represents this reality. In wartime, people don't just lose their homes, they also lose their dignity and a decent life. Children, in particular children with disabilities, suffer more than others. They lose access to services. The voice of Mohammed, this child, reminds all of us that security, peace, and inclusion are not slogans. They are fundamental rights above all for persons with disabilities. Mr. President, we are here today at a time when millions of persons with disabilities are living in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in Arab countries and are suffering the effects of humanitarian crises and conflict. They are experiencing this exclusion, this displacement, and the lack of physical protection. In Lebanon, war escalation and the security crisis and the nutrition and food crisis means that people with with disabilities face a worsening situation. They do not have access to medicine and healthcare. People have been displaced and are currently living in dilapidated centers that are not able to provide for their needs. In other Arab countries that are affected by conflict, we see scenes that we should not accept in this age, in this century. We see persons with disabilities, children, who are having education denied to them for years, women who are suffering marginalization and violence. Article 11 is an obligation, a legally binding obligation to protect persons with disabilities above all in emergencies and in conflicts. But the implementation of that article remains a dead letter. We therefore call upon the international community, United Nations agencies, to move from words to concrete measures and action and to include disability within humanitarian action and to work with humanitarian personnel in the planning of recovery and reconstruction. We cannot talk about peace, security, and recovery while persons with disabilities remain—

I thank you. For the statement. And I now invite the State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia to make the statement.

Mr.

President, Excellencies, it is an honor to speak at this year's Conference of States parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as we mark 20 years of convention. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU on behalf of its member states, and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. For Croatia, this anniversary is a time to recognize the progress made in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, but it is also a reminder that we must continue our work. The Convention changed how we understand disability. It is, it is not only about care and protection, but also about dignity, equality, independence, and participation. Important progress has been made around the world and in Croatia, but the real measure of success is simple: can persons with disabilities live independently, take part in society and make decisions about their own lives. Croatia remains strongly committed to these goals. In recent years, we expanded the right to personal assistance and improved financial support through the inclusive allowance. We continue to work on accessibility social inclusion and independent living. We also pay special attention to those with often overlooked disabilities such as deaf blinds and work on raising awareness. At the same time, we know that laws and programs must make a real difference in everyday life, at home, in schools, at work, in public services, on— and online. This requires cooperation at all levels and constant dialogue with persons with disabilities. Our focus is clear: protection from violence and abuse, stronger support systems and encourage independence and full participation of persons with disabilities in decision that affect them.

I thank you for the statement, and I now invite the Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh to deliver the statement.

Mr. President and distinguished guests, the 20th anniversary of this CRPD is both a moment to celebrate achievements and a reminder of the gaps in fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities. The UN flagship Disability and Development Report 2024 reminds us that with only 4 years remaining to achieve this disease challenges remain in food security, health education, employment, and in providing assistive technology. The joint report by WHO and UNICEF titled Global Report on Assistive Technology 2022 estimated that more than 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product. Against this backdrop, Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which Bangladesh ratified in 2007. Our constitution guarantees equality, dignity, and rights for all citizens, including persons with disabilities. Mr. President, we have adopted important legal and policy frameworks, including the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, the Neurodevelopmental Disability Protection Trust Act, Act 2013 and the National Action Plan on Disability 2019. Bangladesh also acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty to enhance access to knowledge and information for persons with visual impairments by having copyright exceptions. Since independence of our country, we have pursued a people-centered development model We are investing in inclusive education, training, and skills development to enhance the participation of persons with disabilities. Rehabilitation and therapy services are provided to people with disabilities free of cost through 103 service centers across the country. 75 special skills are— 75 special schools are currently operating across the country for intellectually disabled children. Assisted devices such as wheelchairs, smart white canes, hearing aids, cochlear implant, crutches, prosthetic limbs, and Braille textbooks are distributed free of cost to PWDs. Children with autism are receiving support through specific programs including NDD support centers. Persons with disabilities are getting disability allowances each month from government copper. Nearly 15% of the national budget is spent to social protection. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to make transport systems and public infrastructure, hospitals and other public places more disability-friendly and accessible. Mr. President, we have necessary regulatory tools and knowledge. What we need is strong political will, adequate resources, technology,

I thank you for your statement, and may I now invite Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs of Kenya to make the statement.

Mr. President, Kenya's progress is anchored in a strong legal and policy framework, including The Constitution of Kenya, Persons with Disabilities Act, Social Protection Act, Sexual Offences Act, and the Children Act. This is in addition to our obligations under the Convention of the CRPD. Our judiciary has strengthened access to justice through inclusive court procedures, reasonable accommodation, and continuous capacity building to the just to the justice sector, community sensitization and legal awareness have improved reporting and access to justice for persons with disabilities. The enhanced single registry and toll-free lines, number 1195 and 116, under social protection have improved access to services and reduced vulnerability. Through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kenya continues to advance disability inclusion. In the past year, over 34,000 persons with disabilities were registered, more than 63,000 households benefited from cash transfers, 2,700 persons received assistive devices, and 21 self-help groups received economic empowerment support. Kenya, with UNICEF and county governments, is strengthening care and support systems that promote dignity, independence, and empowerment. We have piloted the circle of care and support model, which is a community-based approach that integrates cash transfers, assistive technologies, caregiver support, accessible transport, and referral systems. During the last year, SICOS reached 90 households, while humanitarian interventions supported over 800 children with disabilities through assessments, therapy assistive devices, and educational placements. Mr. President, our digital transformation agenda has enhanced access to services and the civic participation through platforms such as eCitizen and Huduma Kenya. The Ajira Digital Program has trained over 1 million young people, including youth with disabilities, digital literacy and economic participation. Through structured civic initiatives, broader civic awareness efforts reached over 3,000 persons with disabilities nationwide. Accessible voter education materials such as captioned— captioned—

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite Her Excellency, Deputy Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, to make the statement.

Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished delegates. The United Republic of Tanzania is honored to participate in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tanzania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the convention, which Tanzania ratified in 2009. Over the years, Tanzania has undertaken deliberated reforms to strengthen the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities as an integral part of our national development agenda. Mr. President, Tanzania has strengthened its its legal and policy framework through the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 9 of 2010 in mainland Tanzania and Act No. 8 of 2022 in Zanzibar. Also, the national disability policies and sectional strategies that mainstream disability inclusion across government planning and service delivery. Disability inclusion has been integrated into national development frameworks including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and successive 5-year development plans, ensuring that no development agenda is pursued without considering persons with disabilities. The government has explained— has expanded access to inclusive education, health services, rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, assistive technologies, social protection, and economic empowerment programs. Efforts have also been made to improve accessibility in infrastructure and public services. Importantly, Tanzania continues to prove the meaningful participation and representation of persons with disabilities and their organizations in national decision-making processes in line with principles of nothing about us without us. Mr. President, as we mark 20 years of the Convention, Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of the Convention and building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities. Also, Tanzania remains committed to working closely with member states, the United Nations system, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves to accelerate the effective implementation. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite the CBM Global Disability Inclusion Learning for the statement with the extra minute.

Excellencies, CBM Global Disability Inclusion puts persons with disabilities at the center of everything we do in support of the CRPD, and we celebrate the important milestone, the 20th anniversary of the Convention. Assessing progress on human rights Rights for All Persons with Disabilities. We are an international development and humanitarian disability organization working toward an inclusive world in which all persons with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential. All our advocacy, advisory, and programmatic work are done in authentic partnership with organizations of persons with disabilities. CBM Global is carrying out 4 strategic priorities: working with those most left behind, ensuring the preconditions for inclusion are in place for persons with disabilities, shifting power in partnerships, and confronting the climate crisis. To complement this, we continue to implement the Global Disability Summit commitments to acknowledge and take concrete measures to adequately resource OPDs, grassroots networks, and the disability movement, to remove barriers to equal participation of persons with disabilities by utilizing and investing in the preconditions for inclusion. To strengthen the OECD Disability DAC Marker by adopting minimum standards. To strengthen efforts to gather data on the situation of persons with disabilities to enhance policies and programs and to engage as members in the UNFCCC Disability Caucus and support our OPD partners to lead on climate justice. Thank you.

I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and to the Minister of Jobs and Families, Persons with Disabilities of Canada to make the statement.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Thank you, sir.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, first of all, Canada wishes to congratulate the newly elected members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the United Nations. I wish to thank the outgoing members, in particular our own representative, Dr. Laverne Jacobs, for her excellent contributions to this important committee.

Honored to represent Canada at this Conference of States —parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Here at the United Nations, we are reminded that the Convention is not only a legal instrument, it is a promise that persons with disabilities must be able to participate equally and with dignity in every part of life. For Canada, that promise guides our work. From our Accessible Canada Act to our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Convention is our roadmap to a barrier-free Free Canada by 2040. As Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Jobs and Families, I have the privilege of working closely with the disability community. In Canada, we have seen how the Convention has helped move disability inclusion forward worldwide, nationally, and in our communities too. But we also know exclusion is still a daily reality for too many people. Inclusion is not a gesture of goodwill, It is a fundamental principle at the core of the Convention. It must be built into our schools, workplaces, communities, services, and digital spaces from the start. Canada remains committed to the principle of nothing without us. We continue to engage and support the disability community with a focus on women, youth, and Indigenous groups. Inclusion is also essential to economic resilience. Especially in times of disruption. Persistent employment gaps remain. That is why Canada is investing in practical solutions, including our Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities and the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. In Canada's 2026 Spring Economic Update, we announced a doubling of our investment in the Opportunities Fund. Chair, the world is changing quickly. Canada recognizes that emerging technologies, including AI, bring significant opportunities but also very real risks. Our Accessible Canada Act prioritizes digital accessibility while protecting disability rights. It helps guide our efforts to remove digital barriers and prevent new forms of exclusion before they take hold. Looking ahead, the next chapter of the Convention must be defined by ambition, accountability, and results. That means listening to those with lived experience, turning commitments into action, and it means building solutions that support economic participation, strengthen financial security, and improve people's lives. Canada will continue working alongside all States Parties and stakeholders to ensure—

I thank you for this statement, and may I now invite Undersecretary and Concurrent Cluster Head, Department of Social Welfare and Development of Philippines, to deliver the statement.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Philippines reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to advancing inclusive, equitable, and rights-based —based development that leaves no one behind. 20 years after the adoption of the CRPD, we recognize the important progress made in advancing the dignity, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities worldwide. Yet much work remains to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by all persons with disabilities. —free from discrimination, violence, abuse, and exclusion. The Philippines continues to strengthen disability-inclusive policies and programs anchored in a whole-of-government and life-cycle approach, recognizing that the needs of persons with disabilities evolve across every stage of life. A key priority is strengthening early identification, diagnosis, and intervention for children with disabilities. Through the Developmental Assessment Rehabilitation Empowerment for Children with Disabilities, or CARE-VAN, initiative, the Philippines brings development assessment rehabilitation services, family counseling, and community-based support closer to underserved communities. By investing in early intervention and empowering families and communities, we aim to improve health outcomes, educational participation, social inclusion, and long-term well-being. The Philippines is likewise strengthening inclusive systems across healthcare, education, employment, social protection, digital accessibility, and disaster resilience. We recognize that meaningful inclusion can only achieve— can only be achieved through strong partnerships among governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. We further affirm that persons with disabilities must not only be consulted but empowered to lead and participate fully in governance policy-making, and public life, consistent with the principle of "nothing about us without us." As we move forward amid evolving global challenges, the Philippines remains committed to working with all States Parties to build societies where every person with disability can live with dignity, opportunity, and full participation. Thank you and mabuhay!

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite His Excellency Ambassador Permanent Representative Austria to deliver the statement on behalf of Committee on Victim Assistance of the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention. You have the floor.

Mr. President, Distinguished delegates, Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the EU. As we mark 20 years since the adoption of the Convention, Austria remains dedicated to its full implementation through our National Action Plan on Disability. Our second National Action Plan, which covers the period 2022-2025, to 2030 contains 288 aligned objectives and 375 concrete measures aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Austria. In this regard, organizations of persons with disabilities and civil society organizations continue to be essential partners in the continuous consultation process. Strengthening disability rights in multilateral fora as well as in our international partnerships and humanitarian assistance remains another priority. Austria systematically incorporates persons with disabilities in the program design of official development assistance. In 2025, 16 projects of the Austrian Development Agency totaling approximately €27 million benefited people with disabilities. Together with civil society, Austria is planning a special emphasis on leaving no one behind in humanitarian action, disability inclusion in emergencies. Mr. President, A key priority for Austria is ensuring the sustainable impact of the measures taken to implement the COPD. To this end, a scientific evaluation of our current national action plan has recently been commissioned. Mr. President, 2026 also marks the 20th— anniversary of the introduction of the Austrian Disability Equality Law. Since this adoption, many people with disabilities have made use of conciliation procedure to reach out-of-court settlements, often resulting in the immediate removal of barriers and other forms of discrimination. Furthermore, in cases where no agreement is reached, the Kurds' rule, thus ensuring that there is a legal remedy. Austria remains committed to the full implementation of the Convention for and with Persons with Disabilities, as well as the recommendations provided by the CRPD Committee in its concluding observations following—

I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite Down Syndrome Australia to make the statement.

Thank you, Chair, and distinguished guests and colleagues. My name is Shannon Colac, and I'm here representing Down Syndrome Australia and the state and territory Down syndrome organisations around Australia. In Australia, The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, was developed as a human rights-based system aimed at implementing Australia's obligations under the CRPD. The NDIS legislation aims to give effect to the CRPD, specifically supporting the rights of people with disability to live independently, be included in the community, and have choice and control over their lives. The NDIS has been seen as being international best practice of individualised disability supports. The Australian Government recently announced proposed changes to the NDIS that will allow the government to cap and cut supports and fundamentally change the nature of the scheme. There was no consultation with the disability community before these changes were announced. In a statement released on the 24th of April 2026, the Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner acknowledged that the NDIS needed some structural reform but stated that the human rights principles which underpin the creation of the NDIS must continue to shape its future. She said the original intent of the NDIS was that people with disability could be participating members of the community on an equal basis in areas of employment, education, housing and social participation, and this cannot be lost. The Commissioner then went on to say that there is a great deal of concern about the proposed reduction in social and community participation support in individual plans, and these are key supports for providing meaningful participation and inclusion within society. We are concerned that some of the proposed changes to the NDIS will have devastating consequences for people with disability and their families, as well as unintended financial consequences for the Australian Government. For example, a reduction in social and reducing community participation funding will lead to increased levels of loneliness and social isolation for people with disability. This could place additional burden on the already stretched health and mental health system, as well as families who already provide substantial supports. We know some people with disability use this funding to help them access mainstream employment. A reduction in this support could see people with disability unable to work, therefore placing additional financial burden on our social security system. While we recognise the need for reform, the Australian Government must focus on the human rights of people with disability and the government's implementation of the CRPD. Moving forward, we ask the Australian Government to retain the focus on individualised, reasonable and necessary supports that have made this scheme a world-leading disability support and don't put people with disability at risk with arbitrary cuts to their support. We insist the Australian Government protect the human rights of people with disability and ensure all obligations under the CRPD are embedded within our legislation and the delivery of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Thank you for your time.

I thank you for the statement, and I now invite Executive Director of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities of Costa Rica to make the statement.

President, mainstreaming disability is more than informing, raising awareness among our collective social conscience. It's recognizing rights, implementing commitments, and recognizing real rights and promoting an autonomous and independent life. Focusing on the challenge is empowering talent. Capacities and the skills of each and every person with a disability. If we do it this way, we will be able to guide all efforts towards true participation and inclusion of persons in a situation of disability. We will prioritize people and engage in tangible affirmative actions and reasonable adjustments for a more inclusive environment. We must continue to work towards achieving full implementation in all of the actions that we undertake to ensure that they are structured and developed, taking account of the human diversity so that environments don't turn into barriers for excellence for people's day-to-day lives. When we talk about implementing the pillar of disability action, we are focusing on reducing the data that reflects that persons with disabilities have a 50% higher chance of living in poverty, of not being enrolled in education and/or the labor force, and this requires public policies and concrete actions that promote their true inclusion. Costa Rica urges for the drafting of public policies and inclusive programs that ensure universal accessibility. In this regard, our country has made headway in citizen participation in building public policies that eradicate assistentialism and improve— promote inclusive employment. We must undertake sustainable and inclusive practices. It's essential to engage in universal design, to use reasonable adjustments, and to engage in affirmative actions to mainstream the rights focus and adopt anti-discrimination legislation with support policies to ensure full empowerment. And all of this will achieve better social development and empowerment in decision-making.

Thank you very much. I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite His Excellency, Assistant Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, to deliver the statement.

Mr. President, Excellencies, may the peace and mercy of God be with you. This conference comes 20 years after the adoption of the Convention. It was a qualitative leap forward and true development in terms of the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. This Convention is among the instruments meant to protect persons with disabilities. We have a 2023 Code on Persons with Disabilities designed to implement the commitments under this Convention. We also have the 2030 Vision that allows persons with disabilities to participate in life and allows them to find a job. We have strengthened the national approach for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. We have a center that launches awareness-raising campaigns focusing on the human rights of persons with disabilities. Disabilities. We have also established a center for human rights. We indeed have many initiatives in the context of that same vision for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, including programs, MoAMA compliance programs for the total inclusion of that group of persons and to improve their quality of life. And thanks to these measures, Their inclusion has reached 14% in 2025 when it comes to their inclusion in employment. That is greater than the international average of 13%, and that is evidence of progress that has been made by my country. We have launched communication and digital connectivity approaches and also approaches focusing on digital governance. And we have provided digital services to all population groups as part of this vision. We have provided services for persons with disabilities. To conclude, we reiterate our commitment to this approach for persons with disabilities.

Thank you. I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment to make the statement. Mr.

Chair and Excellencies and colleagues, the International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairments and the World Blind Union are leading a coordinated global campaign, the Global Braille Literacy Campaign, More Braille, More Empowerment. In many countries, children and adults who are blind or deafblind do not have the opportunity to learn Braille at school or attend school at all. Adults lack access to Braille materials, and educators often do not receive the training or resources they need to support Braille literacy. We have enlisted support from international and regional organizations from both developing and developed countries. The campaign is also built on collaboration with vital contributions from individuals, educators, researchers, families, and blind adults, Braille users, helping to shape the campaign through their knowledge, leadership, and lived experience. Together, we share the goal of reaching the most vulnerable children and adults who are blind or deafblind to ensure access to Braille and opportunities to learn Braille, promoting inclusive education through Braille literacy, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. The campaign is grounded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The CRPD positions Braille as essential for full realization of human rights for persons who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, ensuring access to information in both public and private sectors. We draw particular attention to Article 9, Accessibility. Article 21, freedom of expression and opinion and access to information. Article 24, education. Access to Braille is the primary literacy medium for persons who are blind, constitutes an essential component of these obligations. In, in the case for Braille is not founded on tradition alone, it is supported by substantial growing body of research. Research continually demonstrates that persons who are blind who acquire Braille literacy achieve significantly higher levels of educational attainment, greater rates of employment, and higher earnings than peers who do not— than their peers who do not know Braille. These differences represent a measurable return in the public investment in inclusive education and a measurable indicator of the cost of its absence. We, the undersigned, affirm that the following principles and call upon all states and institutions to recognize and uphold them. Every child who is blind has a right to learn Braille. Early access to Braille is essential. Braille and digital technologies are mutually reinforcing. Families should be comprehensively informed of the importance of Braille literacy and accorded a meaningful role in the planning and delivery of their child's education. We respectfully call upon governments, ministries of education, legislative bodies, and all relevant stakeholders to undertake enshrining Braille literacy within national education legislation, policy frameworks, and alignment with CRPD obligations.

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite Her Excellency, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs of Kuwait, to deliver the statement.

Thank you, Mr. President. The State of Kuwait reiterates its commitment to protecting persons with disabilities because we are convinced that persons with disabilities are essential partners in development. We continue to develop our legislative and institutional system in alignment with the Convention and the SDGs. Law No. 8 of 2010 on the rights of persons with disabilities constitutes the cornerstone of these efforts. It provides a comprehensive legislative framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities in the areas of education, health, employment, social protection and participation in society on an equal footing. In the area of access, my country has eliminated barriers and strengthened a conducive environment for accessibility for buildings and facilities. We are also launching programs in the area of rehabilitation, health, and early intervention, as well as education and vocational training. This enhances the autonomy of persons with disabilities and their full inclusion in society. My country attaches the greatest importance to equal education for students with disabilities. Because we are convinced that education is the foundation of empowerment and of meaningful participation. My country has launched a 2025 Disability Guide. This is a national comprehensive reference document strengthening data and evidence-based to planning and policymaking. This makes it possible to develop services for persons with disabilities. In the area of economic empowerment, we have launched training and rehabilitation programs to ensure equality among all groups of population groups. We allow persons with disabilities and their organizations to participate in decision-making in accordance with the principles of the Convention. My country reiterates that digital transformation offers many opportunities for independence and the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities. In conclusion, my country affirms that investing in the capacities of persons with disabilities is It is not merely an obligation.

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite Her Excellency, Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to deliver the statement.

Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished delegates. On behalf of people— on behalf of Timor-Leste, I am pleased to share our progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. The government remains committed to the implementation of the UN CRPD, ratified in January 2023. The important milestone has strengthened our legal and policy framework for the promotion, protection, and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disability across all sectors of national development. In accordance with the Convention, Timor-Leste has submitted its initial state report to the CRPD Committee. We look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Committee in March 2027. The government continues to prioritize the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities through a range of policies and programs. Key achievements include the implementation of the National Policy on Inclusion and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Disability Action Plan 2021-2030, which has been reviewed to align with the program of the 9th Constitutional Government, the Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030, and the principles of CRPD. Furthermore, the National Social Protection Strategy 2021-2030 provides a framework to support elders, children and youth at risk, persons with disability, and vulnerable families. In 2026, Timor-Leste has introduced a disability inclusion budget marker to strengthen disability responsive planning and budgeting across government institutions. The government remains committed to providing financial assistance to persons with disability through a monthly social pension of $60. Self-sustainable business initiatives, and support to social solidarity institutions working in the solidarity sector, in disability sector. We also support the participation of persons with disabilities through national celebrations on 4th of July and the International Day on 3rd of December. Progress has been made, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as increasing accessibility in public buildings, social and health services, inclusive education, job opportunities and vocational trainings, justice, transportation, sports and cultural activities, and strengthening disaggregated data. Timor-Leste will continue to work closely with UN member states, ASEAN partners, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, or CPLP, to— and development partners and civil society organizations to advance inclusive social protection and build a society where every person can participate equally and with dignity, ensuring that no one is left behind. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you for the statement. And may I now invite Her Excellency, Assistant Minister, Minister of State, President, Defence and Security of Botswana, to deliver the statement.

Mister President, I'm honored to share Botswana's journey from ascension to tangible action in advancing disability inclusion. As we mark 20 years of the Convention, Botswana joins the international community in celebrating progress and in renewing our commitment to the work that remains. President 2025 marked a historic milestone with the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, legislation specifically designed to domesticate the Convention into binding national law. This landmark act prohibits discrimination, guarantees reasonable accommodation, promotes accessibility, and places a clear duty on the state to ensure compliance. Botswana has moved from policy commitments to legally enforceable rights. The Act also establishes the National Disability Council, a high-level multi-sectoral body ensuring the voices of persons with disabilities shape national policy. Guided by the principle of nothing about us without us, organizations of persons with disabilities are represented at every level of implementation. Beyond the Act, Mr. President, Botswana has pursued reforms across key sectors. A new Mental Health Act shifts from a medical model to a human rights-based approach. The revised Employment Act prohibits disability-based discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodation in workplaces. Our Inclusive Education Policy promotes equitable access for all learners, supported by specialized teachers, assistive devices and accessible learning materials. Government also continues to strengthen disability— disaggregated data systems, expand assistive technologies, and implement social protection programs including cash transfers, housing support, and free access to public health services, particularly for those in remote and rural communities Botsuana further recognizes that women and girls with disabilities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and continues to mainstream disability considerations within programs addressing gender equality, economic empowerment, and protection from violence. We're also integrating disability inclusion into disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness frameworks so that no one is left in times of crisis. While significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that challenges remain, including improving accessibility in older infrastructure, expanding services in underserved communities, and mobilizing adequate resources. We view these not as obstacles, but as opportunities to deepen our commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion. Mr. President, Botswana stands ready to contribute to the next chapter.

I thank you for your statement, and may I now invite His Excellency, Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President of Namibia, to deliver the statement.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, at the onset, Namibia welcomes the holding of this significant 90th session of the Conference of the State Parties on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Indeed, in a rapidly changing world, persons with disabilities face multiple layers of challenges due to the increased geopolitical tensions, oil and food prices, conflicts and natural disasters, and other humanitarian circumstances, among others. This calls for concerted efforts through the international community to ensure that international, regional, and national commitments towards the promotion of the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld, including those outlined in the Pact for the Future and its annexes. Namibia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Convention and its Optional Protocols, which Namibia has been translating into policies guided by the twin commitments of inclusion and accessibility for fully participation in social, economic, and civil life. Without any barriers to public infrastructures and transport services. We continue to mainstream the disability rights into our national development agendas, Vision 2030 and NDP 6, with specific focus on equity, inclusion, and social justice. Namibian government is proud to report that the National Policy on Disability of of 1997 was reviewed, adopted, and launched in October 2025 that promotes the social and human rights approach, protection to the people in marginalized situations, encourages inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and public service. Namibia government is reviewing the Mental Health Act of 1972 and the prosthetics and orthopedic policy in line with the WHO principles. Namibia continues to work with UN agencies and has produced a report on direct cost of persons with disabilities to families in Namibia, launched in October 2025. Namibia supports critical programs and activities including financial support to learners and students with disability, organizations of persons with disabilities, and individual persons with severe disabilities. Namibia, through the Electoral Commission of Namibia, prioritizes inclusive and participative—

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite His Excellency, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family of Qatar, to deliver the statement.

Assalamu alaikum, Mr. President. This year we are commemorating the 20th anniversary of this convention. My country is proud to have been one of the first countries to ratify this convention. Thanks to a conducive environment and national directives, we have launched initiatives for persons with disabilities and to ensure their full participation in society. Thanks to legislation and policies aimed at achieving Social Justice and Equal Opportunities. Mr. President, in 2028, we shall host the Conference on Persons with Disabilities. This demonstrates our commitment to inclusive societies in line with our approach, which is rooted in cooperation and partnership with the international community. My country would like to benefit from the work of this conference by engaging directly with persons with disabilities on several questions which will form the basis of our conference in Qatar. In 2025, that was a milestone for my country. Country when it comes to the strengthening of human rights. Under the leadership of the Emir of Qatar, we launched the Law Number 22 of that country on persons with disabilities— of that year, rather, on persons with disabilities. That law creates a comprehensive system on employment, healthcare, work, and other services. Thanks to This directive, a national strategy was launched 2025 to 2030 with the slogan of "From care to empowerment for a society that empowers persons with disabilities." Mr. President, we hosted the second conference on social development last year. That was an opportunity to demonstrate our international solidarity and our support for the rights of persons with disabilities. The political declaration of that conference strengthens inclusive societies for all, including— with a focus on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. To conclude, the inclusion of persons with disabilities is not just a moral commitment, but a genuine investment for more inclusive societies, and we reiterate our firm commitment in this area. Thank you.

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite Director for Equality and Non-Discrimination, DG Justice and Consumers, EU Commission of European Union, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States to deliver the statement for 5 minutes.

On behalf of the European Union and its Member States, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the European Union reaffirms its strong and long-standing commitment to its full and effective implementation, as well as as support to the work of the United Nations, including the implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy. As an early party to the SRPD, the EU has consistently worked to translate its principles into concrete action, recognizing that persons with disability, around 90 million in the EU and about 1.3 billion worldwide must enjoy the same rights as everyone else and must be fully included in all aspects of the society on equal basis with others. Through the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030, the EU has made important progress in improving accessibility of products and services, advancing on independent independent living and strengthening participation and mobility of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, as well as working towards the implementation of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. Building on the midterm achievements of the strategy, the Adopt Enhanced Strategy for Rights of Persons with Disabilities Disabilities up to 2030 presents an enhanced approach to further strengthen implementation until 2030. The enhanced strategy reflects extensive public consultations, including with civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities, and directly addresses the concluding observations of the CRPD Committee. It reinforces efforts across all policy areas with a strong focus on implementation, disability mainstreaming, and delivering tangible results. Priority areas include accessibility, inclusive democratic participation, the development of assistive technologies, artificial intelligence, international cooperation, ensuring preparedness and effective protection protection of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including disasters and humanitarian emergencies, and independent living. The latter implies strengthening community-based services enabling persons with disabilities to live autonomously and make their own choices. With regard to international cooperation, the endorsement of the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, reinforcing its commitment to advance implementation of Article 32 of the Convention, was an important step. In line with the themes of this year's conference, the European Union remains committed to preventing and combating all forms of exploitation, violence, and abuse against persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, and to ensuring their effective effective protection of their rights and access to justice. The European Union is further reinforcing efforts to promote full participation in political and public life, including through accessible electoral processes and by supporting persons with disabilities as voters, candidates, and leaders. The European Union stands ready to work together with all partners to consolidate progress and shape the next phase of the implementation of the Convention in an evolving global context. Thank you.

I thank you for the statement, and may I now invite Children and Young People with Disability of Australia to make the statement.

My name is Rosie Putland and I am a proudly disabled young person and the Community Engagement Coordinator at Children and Young People with Disability Australia. I want to speak today about a new barrier to civic participation that many countries may soon face. 6 months ago, Australia introduced a social media minimum age law. The law requires social media companies to prevent children under under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms. To do this, many platforms have introduced age assurance systems that require users to prove their age or identity. The policy was framed as a child safety measure, but for many disabled young people, it creates a burden of proof of— for belonging in public life. For children and young people with disabilities, social media is not just entertainment. It is where we engage with politics, learn about our rights, connect with disability communities, find representation, and access vital health information. For many young people who are disabled, queer, immunocompromised, and living in regional areas, these platforms are often the most or only accessible public spaces available to us. The challenge is that age assurance systems are often built on the assumption that everyone can easily prove who they are. Many cannot. A blind young person may not be able to complete a video verification process. A young person with facial difference may not be recognized by the system. A young person without a driver's license or passport might find the identification they do have is not accepted. Our research conducted 6 6 months after the restrictions came into effect found that 95% of disabled children under 16 still had access to social media. At the same time, disabled young people over 16 who were legally entitled to access the platforms were being locked out. Half of disabled people aged 16 to 25 reported being required to verify their age or identity. Of those, 76% percent experienced accessibility barriers during verification. Almost one quarter were unable to access social media despite being old enough to legally use it. The restrictions appear to have created new barriers for disabled young people who have a right to participate, whilst doing little to prevent access for those they were intended to restrict. As countries consider similar policies, I encourage you to tell governments to focus less on restricting access and more on creating safer platforms. A legal duty of care on social media companies to restrict harmful content and algorithms would do far more to improve safety than creating new barriers to participation. If we are serious about representation, leaders—

Thank you for the statement. And colleagues, we have worked very hard and had a very rich and fruitful program today. As you can see, we still have a rather long list of speakers. So tomorrow morning from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, We shall continue the same agenda in order to hear the remainder of the list of speakers in the general debate. Please follow the updated e-speaker list that will be made available before 10 AM tomorrow. As per the decision of the Bureau and announced earlier, I kindly invite delegations who may wish to publish your full statement to please submit your written statements by emailing to e-statements@un.org, indicating in your email title with the name of delegation and Agenda Item 5A General Debate, so that your statement can be published online in the UN Journal under this agenda. And also be acknowledged duly in the post-session COSP-19 report for your statement. Kindly take note, the meetings from tomorrow will be in the Conference Room 4, not here in the General Assembly anymore. And with this, I declare the second meeting closed. Congratulations! Thank you.