UNITED NATIONS – Guyana Tuesday called on the international community to provide more financial support for disability-inclusive development in developing countries.
Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali addressing the 17th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesAddressing the 17th Meeting of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, said in a truly inclusive and sustainable world, persons with disabilities must be empowered to live a life with dignity and respect; a life where they can realize their potential.
She said the reality is that in developing countries, the majority of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed and many children with disabilities do not attend school.
“The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities created necessary momentum for removing institutional and attitudinal barriers and promoting the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.”
Ali said that guided by the Convention, Guyana enacted disabilities legislation and adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal treatment, focusing on education and empowerment.
She told the conference that Guyana is taking a life course approach to support persons with disabilities and that a register of persons with disabilities is informing government policies and guiding interventions.
“All persons living with permanent disabilities are eligible to receive monthly financial assistance throughout their lives. Assistive and mobility aids are also provided free of cost. “
She said Guyana is providing specialized support for children through widespread training of teachers and last year, Guyana established the Mahaica Disability Complex, a training and empowerment centre which provides vital skills training.
She said this is complemented by business grants and interest-free loans.
Ali said that as First Lady of Guyana, she is leading an initiative to establish a Business Centre to advance financial independence and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities who will offer a range of products and services to Guyana’s growing consumer market.
“In the digital age, where technology holds unprecedented power to bridge gaps and foster inclusion, Guyana is placing emphasis on enhancing digital connectivity and using technology to provide learning opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Developing countries with limited human and financial resources face major challenges in providing necessary support for persons with disabilities. Limited institutional, technological and financial capacities remain barriers in small economies with competing demands.”
Ali said Guyana is calling for greater international financing for Disability-Inclusive Development in developing countries.
