Developing a Unified Voice for Implementation of Disability Rights for DPOs and Persons with Disabilities Across the 53 Commonwealth Countries (COSP12 Side Event)
12 Jun 2019
The Commonwealth promotes democracy and equality across its 53 member countries with over 2.4 billion inhabitants. Over 450 million are persons with disabilities, mainly young people. The Commonwealth Heads of Government meet every 2 years to determine direction and policy with this are linked various civil society fora. In 2018 disability issues were acknowledged but it was recognised much more needed to be done. The Self organisation of Commonwealth Disabled People’s Organisations, their capacity building, advocacy and collaboration will play a crucial role in implementing the UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals. This week here in we will be relaunching the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum to carry forward these goals. Delegates from over DPOs in 30 countries are attending. The meeting will discuss the desire for, goals and role of the CPDF. Take reports from disability activists from across the Commonwealth and discuss how to influence in CHOGM 2020 in Rwanda, 2022 Fiji.