GANHRI WG calls on States to place persons with disabilities at the forefront of pandemic recovery efforts
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Working Group on Disabilities made a statement during the 14th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The overarching theme of the conference is “building back better”. This relates to the response and recovery of COVID-19 and recognizing and addressing the needs, rights, and socioeconomic effects on persons with disabilities.
The GANHRI WG highlighted how persons with disabilities must be at the forefront of responses to the risks posed by the virus, by the containment measures, and by pre-existing social and economic inequities.
The statement called on States, in close partnerships with persons with disabilities and with disability organisations, to ensure that all response and recovery efforts take an intersectional approach inclusive of the diverse needs of all persons with disabilities; to address health inequities for example by prioritising access to services and vaccines; and maintain continuity of essential supports in safe ways, amongst other recommendations.
The 14th session of the Conference of States Parties took place from 15 to 17 June 2021.