SRSG Kubiš Commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

While welcoming Iraq’s accession in 2013 to one of the most quickly and widely ratified UN treaties, the SRSG noted the challenges that persons with disabilities still face in the enjoyment of their rights and urged the Government of Iraq to ensure that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to fully and equally participate in the life of the country.

“Conflict and humanitarian emergencies disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, who under normal circumstances already suffer from discriminatory social attitudes and physical and other barriers. The Government of Iraq has the primary responsibility to work with people with disabilities to remove the obstacles that create and perpetuate their disability in the first place and to create an environment which promotes and protects the rights of people with disabilities and assists them fully realise their potential.”

Recalling that the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will also be key to the realization of the 2030 Development Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Kubiš noted that Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want, and the role of these goals in building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities, was the theme for this year’s International Day.

“I urge the Iraqi Government to include disability-related issues in all public policies and programs, and ensure that persons with disabilities fully participate in their design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. With the support of the United Nations, the Government of Iraq can ensure that, truly, no one will be left behind, irrespective of their capacities or abilities, so that people with disabilities will have the same opportunities as other Iraqi citizens to fully and equally participate in the political, social, cultural and economic life of their communities and the country as a whole“, SRSG Kubiš added.