HRC Celebrates UNCRPD Extension To Island
The Human Rights Commission acknowledges and celebrates the extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [UNCRPD] to Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “The Human Rights Commission acknowledges and celebrates the extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [UNCRPD] to Bermuda. The UNCRPD, is a human rights treaty that was adopted in 2006, requires signatories to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights as others, and sets out how to make our world disability inclusive.
“While this development should be celebrated, it is important to recognise that adverse impacts of a disability stem from the interaction between persons with impairments and social and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
“In Bermuda, there are already commitments and obligations in place at the national level, which should result in those with disabilities being able to fully participate in society free from discrimination and the denial of their human rights. Despite these obligations and statutory requirements, this is not the reality for those with disabilities.
“Since 2018, the protected ground of disability has been one of the most frequently identified grounds of discrimination. These matters have included people being denied work, discriminatory employment practices, people not being afforded equal access to information and education, people being denied access to services and transport systems, the built environment being developed without consideration to those with disabilities, and the existence of barriers to health, wellbeing and prosperity.
“The UNCRPD requires there to be a removal of barriers faced by persons with disabilities; however, again – it is society’s barriers that are the most pervasive and prevent those with disabilities from genuine inclusion, i.e., the ability to live independently, the ability to access public services, and the ability to access healthcare.
“The extension of the UNCRPD gives Bermuda an opportunity to pause and evaluate the collective will of the country and identify gaps that exist. Bermuda can be an example in making our world disability inclusive. The extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda will require active monitoring so gaps that exist locally are resolved and the rights and obligations enshrined within this treaty are fulfilled.
“The Commission looks forward to working with the Government of Bermuda and other stakeholders to bring these international obligations to life for the people of Bermuda.”
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