Welcome to the United Nations
Persons with disabilities and disabilities and disability issues were featured at the fifty-fifth session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD55) is currently ongoing at UN Headquarters in New York from 1 to 10 February 2017. The priority theme for the 2017-2018 review and policy cycle is “Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all”.
High-Level Panel Discussion on Poverty and Disability
On 3 February, a High-Level Panel Discussion titled "Leaving no one behind: poverty and disability" took place. Delegates spotlighted the obligation of Governments and international organizations to promote and protect the inalienable rights of the world’s 1 billion persons with disabilities. The Panelists focused on the nexus between disability and poverty, underscoring the need to incorporate disability into all future development efforts.
They also responded to a range of comments and questions raised by delegates, including several persons with disabilities, who demanded full participation in decision-making and emphasized that “nothing about us without us”.
- Concept Note of the High-level Panel Discussion on "Leaving No One Behind: Poverty and Disability"
- Presentations and Statements
- Ms. Nora Groce, PhD, Moderator – Professor and Director, Leonard Cheshire Centre for Disability and Inclusive Development, University College, London
- Ms. Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Human Rights Council
- Mr. Mosharraf Hossain, Director of Global Policy, Influencing & Research of ADD International
- Watch the archived webcast
Ms. Catalina Devandas Aguilar, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities of the Human Rights Council stated: “The 2030 Agenda is a unique opportunity to eradicate poverty, but that goal cannot be achieved without persons with disabilities.” Emphasizing that all actors working to implement that Agenda — including Governments, development specialists, United Nations agencies and others —
must take account of disability issues in a rights-based manner, she pointed to the clear correlation between disability and inequality, saying structural barriers such as lack of access to education and transport contributed to their exclusion.
Side-events on mental health and youth
During the second week of the 55th session of the Commission, a wide range of side events tackling the challenges and opportunities of the Sustainable Development continue to attract UN entities, Governments, as well as NGOs and experts in the field.
- "Promoting Mental Health and Well-being for Youth: A Strategy for Social Integration and Poverty Eradication" took place on 7 February at Conference Room 12 at the UN Headquarters. Programme of the side- event
- “Leaving No One Behind: The Social Inclusion of Youth with Mental Health Conditions”. Programme of the side-event
Other resources
