Ambassador Michèle Taylor’s Remarks
HRC-52 Side Event: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Armed Conflict
Thank you, Catalina, and thank you to the distinguished panel for the thought-provoking remarks. The United States is proud to cosponsor this event along with Finland, the International Disability Alliance, and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Mr. Gerard Quinn.
I am especially pleased that my friend and colleague, Sara Minkara, the U.S. Special Advisor for International Disability Rights, was able to join us virtually. The United States encourages member states to involve persons with disabilities in all aspects of conflicts including prevention, resolution, reconciliation, reconstruction, and peacebuilding efforts in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2475 on persons with disabilities in conflict, and Human Rights Council resolution 31/6 on the rights of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies.
I want to reiterate our call to maintain hybrid modalities for all Human Rights Council related activities in the interest of accessibility and diverse participation.
The rights of persons with disabilities is a priority for the United States, for me personally, and an issue that is relevant in numerous New York and Geneva-based bodies.
My question for the panelists: How can member states overcome the gap that exists between New York and Geneva and even within Geneva to effectively advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in armed conflict?
Thank you.
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