Launch of the EU-Arab Cooperation Forum on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti underlined the commitment of ESCWA to including persons with disabilities in all development efforts and to rolling out the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS). “The Strategy is the cornerstone for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion in all pillars of UN work: peace and security, human rights, and development,” she added.

“It is definitely an honour to see the launch of this Research Network on Disability today. In April 2019, Malta once again proved itself to be a champion for dialogue between Europe and the Arab world, by bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and agree to work together on a shared goal—the rights of persons with disabilities,” Maltese Minister of Inclusion, Social Wellbeing and Voluntary Organizations Julia Farrugia Portelli said “Through this research network, we are putting in place a practical initiative, to ensure that the best and brightest minds in the region can work together, and come up with durable solutions that will benefit the lives of persons with disabilities and their families,” she added.

UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Gerard Quinn highlighted the role of the Forum in influencing policy in Europe, the Arab region and beyond, also stressing the need for research to inform and drive change in response to global challenges.

Ms. Sylvanna Lakkis stressed the importance of including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in all development efforts. This helps ensure their economic and social inclusion and ensure their rights especially political rights like voting in elections.

Dr. Claire Azzopardi Lane affirmed the importance of research as a driver for change and a catalyst for disability inclusion, and the important role universities in both Europe and the Arab region can play in achieving this.