HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct 11, CMC – The British government has extended the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) as it relates to Bermuda in a move London said marked “a significant milestone” in the island’s path towards a more inclusive society for disabled people.
“The extension of the UN Disability Convention will protect the rights of over 3,000 disabled people living in Bermuda,” according to a statement issued by Government House.
“All state parties to the UNCRPD agree to tackling barriers which prevent disabled people from participating in society on an equal basis with others.
“The UNCRPD sets out specific rights which states are required to uphold, such as the right to health, education, living independently and participating in sports and other cultural and leisure activities,” the statement said, adding that “the UNCRPD committee generally reviews each state every four years and issues recommendations for improvement.
“The extension is one example of the Government’s continuing commitment to the UNCRPD and is in line with a previous recommendation from the UN committee that the UK strengthens its efforts to extend the UNCRPD to the British Overseas Territories.”
Britain’s decision to extend the UN Convention was announced by its Minister for Social Security and Disabilty, who said the extension is a major step forward in the UK’s commitment to the UNCRPD and championing the rights of disabled people.
“The Government is determined to tackle barriers and boost opportunities for every disabled person. We will work with disabled people and their representative organisations to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.”
Bermuda’s Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Tinée Furbert,, said as the minister responsible for persons with disabilities, he is proud to announce that the extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda marks an historic moment.
“This achievement solidifies our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, is valued and respected. For the first time, the UK has extended the UNCRPD to an Overseas Territory, a testament to the progress we are making.”
Furbert said that by adopting the UNCRPD, Bermuda fulfils a 2020 Throne Speech initiative and reaffirms its dedication to upholding the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all individuals.”
“This milestone is a celebration of our collective efforts and a reminder that our work is far from complete. We must continue to address critical areas such as education, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility and removing barriers across all sectors of our society,” she said, adding that the Bermuda government remains steadfast in collaborating with persons with disabilities to advance equal opportunities.
“We believe that a world of equality is not just a dream but a tangible reality that we can achieve. It requires decisive leadership, adequate resources and a collective decision-making process.
“We are building the ramps to a more inclusive and equitable world because it is not only possible, it is our responsibility,” she added.
Britain’s Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities,
Anneliese Dodds, said she was proud of London’s “commitment to protecting and promoting disabled people’s rights across the UK and around the world”.
This announcement is just the beginning. We will do what’s necessary to ensure that disabled people, no matter their background, have the support, resources and opportunities to succeed.”
The government statement said that extending the UNCRPD to Bermuda would also support the island’s tourism industry by improving accessibility to a number of recreational, leisure and sporting activities.
WindRreach, a charity that offers educational and therapeutic programmes to people with support needs, welcomed the move.
“WindReach works closely with our participants and families and fully appreciate the magnitude of such a commitment. The extension of the UN’s disability convention to Bermuda marks a pivotal step in creating pathways where there have been societal barriers.
“This move will allow individuals ,” it added.
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