body,td,th { font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; }
The emotional high point of today's meeting was the introduction of a historic Disabilities Bill. It has been very long in coming and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of privileges, interests, rights, benefits, and treatment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with persons without disabilities- among other things.
Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia underscored the historic significance:
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development,
"We ratified the convention in 2011. Imagine we are here 13 years later doing what we need to do. But the fact is nothing happened before its time, and now is the time to make this happen. We want to put in place appropriate legislative and administrative measures for the implementation of the rights that are recognized in the convention. And this legislation will directly provide for the safeguarding of the constitutional rights that have been absent in the existing legislation, but which are applicable to persons with disabilities."
"If I am correct, persons living with disabilities represent approximately 15% of our population. Let's think about that. And their ability to enjoy a standard of living comparable to the rest of society is largely governed by the ability of caregivers to make necessary adjustments and sacrifices, often at high costs and to the detriment of employment opportunities which can prevent socioeconomic growth."
"The state's role in providing resources and services to persons with disabilities is globally recognized as a crucial part of any national social protection system. However, the responsibility must be borne by all levels of society. A robust legislative framework governing the rights of persons with disabilities is required to appropriately allocate responsibilities across main actors in the area and close existing gaps in data collection and resource mobilization."
"Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to recite. I won't sing, but I will recite if you know it joined me. Hold my hand. I am powered by inclusion. Am I in your village? Let's stop the discrimination. Hold my hand. Hold my hand. We are all powered by inclusion. Are we in your village? Let us work hand in hand"
