Advancing legislation for, with, and by persons with disabilities in the Caribbean is necessary to ensure fundamental freedoms are protected and human rights promoted, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The University of the West Indies Centre for Disability Studies (UWICDS) and the CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability, in collaboration with a multi-stakeholder coalition including UNESCO, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Digicel Foundation, organized the Special Ministerial Conference for Specific Legislation for Persons with Disabilities in the Caribbean from 27-28 July 2021. The Conference, which was held virtually and on-site with a limited number of participants at the UWI Regional Headquarters, Mona Campus, Jamaica, explored developing a specific legislative model for persons with disabilities to protect and uphold their rights in the Caribbean societies.
epresenting UNESCO with the mandate to promote inclusive and peaceful societies, Gabriela Ramos addressed the Conference virtually and expressed UNESCO’s readiness to support the Caribbean region to identify best policy practices and strengthen South-South Cooperation to promote human rights and address intersecting forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities.
In the framework of the Conference, UNESCO and UWICDS invited persons with disabilities from across the Caribbean to a public side-event to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and identify actions forward that could feed into inclusive recovery initiatives.
The discussion at the evening on 27 July 2021, led by Gloria Goffe, Executive Director of the Combined Disabilities Association in Jamaica, revealed societal challenges that hamper equal participation, such as barriers in accessing public services, including health care, education, and social protection.
Over 70 participants from various countries across the Caribbean were connected online and shared their perspectives and lived experiences during the pandemic.
Senator Dr Floyd Morris, CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability, explained that before COVID-19, the Caribbean was moving away from the charity-based model of disability, where people depend on others to sustain their lives. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons with disabilities are now once again relying on the support of family members and friends.
The draft legislation document will be updated based on the outcomes during the Conference and made available to the public.
UNESCO and UWICDS plan to conduct a series of training in 2021 to strengthen capacities on the rights of persons with disabilities and engage youth and media houses to advocate for disability inclusion across the Caribbean.
