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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - Remarks by the Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P.,
Minister of Social Services and Community
Development i n Observance of
International Day of Persons with
Disabilities 2016
Theme: “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We
Want”
presented at
The National Commission for Persons with
Disabilities’
Educational Forum & Exhibition
at
Stapledon School, Dolphin Drive
Saturday, 3rd December 2016
As Minister with responsibility for the Community of Persons with Disabilities throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I am delighted to be here and to welcome each of you, as together we join hands with people with disabilities worldwide in observance of December 3rd, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
It is fitting that on this occasion, several disability-related NGOs and Schools, as well as other entities, are gathered together for this important time of discussion, fellowship, reflection and indeed, envisioning of the disability-inclusive future we want to achieve in our Bahamaland. I have been made aware that throughout the week past, and throughout the week ahead, other events and activities are being held by various NGOs, to observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The aim of this annual global observance is to promote an understanding of disability-related issues; the rights of persons with disabilities; and the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. It further provides mobilization opportunities for achieving the ultimate goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in Society by persons with disabilities, as established by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which The Bahamas ratified in September, 2015.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 billion people or 15 percent of the world’s population are living with a disability. Faced with stigmatizing and discrimination, persons with disabilities are routinely denied basic rights such as education, employment, access to health and reproductive health services. The right to participate in public life is essential in the creation of stable democracies, active citizenship and the reduction of inequalities within every aspect of society.
This year’s theme, “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”, is based on the goal of establishing concrete measures that will incorporate disability development into every aspect of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) policies, processes and mechanisms, ensuring the inclusion of all persons.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), are intended to guide the global development agenda through to the year 2030. Universal and broader in scope, the Sustainable Development Goals reflect the view that development needs to be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to note that, while Goals 4, 8, 10, 11 and 17 explicitly refer to persons with disabilities, the universality of all of the goals and the attempt to “leave no one behind”, provides assurance that exclusion, inequality and discriminatory practices are not created or perpetuated.
According to the United Nations, empowering persons with disabilities involves a global commitment to investing in all people, including persons with disabilities, by creating employment opportunities, affordable and accessible healthcare, nutrition, education, and social protection. When persons with disabilities are empowered, they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become agents of change and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities.
I wish to assure you that this Government is committed to creating a Bahamas that is compassionate to and inclusive of all of its citizens including persons with disabilities.
You would know that the Government by itself cannot do everything that needs to be done to create a disability-inclusive Bahamas. That is why my Government is grateful to stakeholders, such as yourselves, and the many private and non-governmental organizations, for their involvement in the important work of advocacy, the delivery of services and support, and the provision of opportunities specifically designed to improve and empower the lives of persons with disabilities, and to ensure that the UNIVERSALITY of the SDGs are implemented not only in policy, but also in practice.
I am grateful too, for the work that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has undertaken during this past year, and indeed, since its establishment in December 2014. The Commission’s public education and awareness efforts, its engagements with many Government and private sector stakeholders, and its work on proposing policies and encouraging best practices, all go a long way in helping to actualize the principles of both our Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I commend the Commission and its Secretariat for their efforts to date.
It is my belief that this Educational Forum and Exhibition will not only enlighten you, but will also provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and make recommendations on the way forward for a more inclusive society.
I wish to thank the Commission and its partners for convening this important gathering. I thank each of you for the effort you have made to be here. May this be an enjoyable and encouraging experience, and may you benefit from the information that will be shared. Please ask questions! Please share your suggestions and ideas! Let’s continue to work together to end discrimination, protect disability rights, ensure accessibility, encourage responsibility, and advance equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in our beloved Nation.
It is in this spirit of joining forces to build a better Bahamas of which we can all be proud, that I extend a warm welcome to all of you and declare this Forum opened. God Bless you!
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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