Nine delegates from Australia have gathered in New York for the largest global disability rights-focused meeting, known as the 17th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, (COSP17).
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will attend to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to disability inclusion and rights.
“COSP17 is an opportunity for Australia to reflect on the progress we have made so far to boost disability rights, while also reminding us of the work we all must do to create fully inclusive communities across the country,” Minister Shorten said.
Paul Calcott from Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, who is attending COSP17, said sharing his experiences on the world stage is important. “As an Australian Aboriginal man and community Elder living with disability, having the opportunity to represent our mob at COSP is a huge privilege, and an opportunity to share my culture, our stories and reflections of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability from our unique cultural perspective,” he said.
Clare Gibellini from Women With Disabilities Australia and co-chair of the Autism Strategy Oversight Council said: “COSP is a fantastic mechanism to promote the rights of people with disability on a global scale, and to showcase the strength and capabilities that people with disability have in leadership and driving conversations for change.”
An Easy Read document on the COSP17 delegates is available from the Department of Social Services website.
UN Photo: Eskinder Debebe