MIKTA STATEMENT: 17TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (COSP17)
11 June 2024
Statement by Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services
Thank you Chair.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the MIKTA countries – Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia.
MIKTA countries are strong supporters of the rules-based multilateral system, effective global governance, upholding international law and the protection and promotion of human rights.
We share a vision of realising a strong, inclusive, and resilient world.
Disability equity and rights are central to this collective ethos and a priority for our partnership.
Despite the near universal ratification of the CRPD – and the promise of the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind” – significant action is still needed to ensure and promote the full realisation of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, for all persons with disabilities.
We are deeply concerned that progress remains persistently slow.
MIKTA calls on all States Parties to implement the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with the CRPD as a guiding framework.
Chair,
This year’s overarching theme of the Conference prompts us to rethink disability inclusion today and into the future.
MIKTA emphasises that disability equity and rights are an integral part of sustainable development, to improve equity and outcomes for all persons with disabilities.
We also note that conflict has severe and long-lasting effects on persons with disabilities, yet their voice is frequently missing from peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.
Technology and innovation present both risks and opportunities to improve accessibility and the lives of persons with disabilities globally.
The Summit for the Future is an opportunity to galvanise action.
We encourage States Parties to give due recognition to disability in in the Pact for the Future - the outcome document for the Summit - with it embodying the principles set out in the CRPD.
We would like to register our concern that the current draft of the Pact could better reflect the role and representation of persons with disabilities, who make up 16 per cent of the world’s population.
Chair,
The Summit of the Future must recall that persons with disabilities must be guaranteed the full enjoyment of their rights and freedoms, without discrimination of any kind.
I thank you.