They are gathering at the largest global disability rights-focused meeting, known as the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17), taking place from 11 to 13 June.
Their goal is to ensure that the country keeps its promise to ensure equality for all.
AI for War Zones: Here’s the Agenda
UN member states and NGOs report on challenges and successes and offer new ways to remove remaining barriers to ensure that people with disabilities can fully enjoy all their rights.
Since the Convention’s adoption in 2008, COSP has convened annually to monitor implementation of the landmark treaty, which was signed by 191 UN member states.
This year’s agenda includes three roundtable discussions on issues that will be reflected in future summits in September. It focuses on international cooperation on humanitarian emergencies, decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and technological innovation for an inclusive future.
Participants in a UNDP-supported innovation program in Egypt to empower people with disabilities using technology. (file)
digital innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools scan websites, mobile apps, and other digital content to identify accessibility issues and provide recommendations for resolving them, helping developers and content creators ensure that products are accessible to individuals with disabilities, from the design phase through to the technology. Helps you access. upgrade.
And that’s just AI. Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, said the potential of digital transformation for people with disabilities is well known and widespread.
These innovation potentials include the availability of assistive devices, comprehensive education, employment, healthcare, tailored support systems, and access to information and communication tools.
“Leveraging digital innovation can help realize the paradigm shift brought about by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and restore voice, control and choice for people with disabilities as active members of their communities,” she said.
COSP17 will focus on promoting technological innovation and working towards the social inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities from the classroom to the workplace.
Check out some of the innovations from the recent AI for Global Good Summit.
Building an inclusive job market
Entering the job market can be a huge challenge.
80% of people with disabilities worldwide live in developing countries, and their right to decent work and sustainable livelihoods is well recognized in other key internationally agreed development documents, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is becoming. .
Current global report cards for occupations show mixed progress. Countries including Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Uruguay have new laws in place, along with national business and disability networks, but more needs to be done.
That’s why COSP17 will present a range of solutions in an effort to ensure that more people with disabilities contribute to family, social and development efforts in countries around the world.
Nicole Mesén Sojo, a city council member in San Jose, Costa Rica, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, is an activist advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. (file)
humanitarian emergency
What happens if you can’t hear a bomb in a war zone or move a wheelchair to escape a flood?
In situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, including armed conflict, natural and climate-induced disasters, and health emergencies, people with disabilities are too often left out when planning preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Indeed, more than a dozen experts appointed by the Human Rights Commission warned in a joint statement on the current crisis in Gaza: .”
From climate-related disasters to conflict, COSP17 will focus on new innovative efforts, challenges and solutions that can propel future summits toward more inclusive societies.
Eight-year-old Hanaa, paralyzed after a bomb exploded, sits in a wheelchair near her home in the city of Aleppo, eastern Syria. (file)
Making History at COSP17: Dominating the Live Blog
First ever united nations news Guest editors will take over our live blog on June 11 as people from around the world gather at United Nations headquarters for the largest global conference on issues affecting people with disabilities.
The live page covering the COSP17 opening session is hosted by guest editor Nick Herd, activist, actor, talk show host and COSP17 representative at L’Arche Canada, an NGO that is part of a network of 160 communities in 37 countries. People with intellectual disabilities.
From COSP16 representative to acquisition united nations newsDown syndrome advocates will be live blogging at COSP17 this year, providing valuable insight into the ongoing conversation surrounding disability rights and inclusive communities. He will also interview delegates and change-makers from around the world to learn how best to increase the inclusivity of skills, jobs and assistance efforts in times of war and climate disaster. His mission is to amplify voices and drive change.
The blog will be released on June 11th at 8 am. Stay tuned to UN news hereFollow the hashtag #COSP17 on social media.
