Joint statement at the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) (New York, June 16, 2016)

MIKTA Countries’ Joint Statement at the
Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
16 June 2016

We, the MIKTA countries – Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia (MIKTA) – join you all in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the CRPD.  The theme for COSP this year – Implementing the 2030 development agenda for all persons with disabilities: Leaving no one behind – is timely as all nations strengthen efforts to eliminate poverty, and address the challenges of creating more equal and inclusive societies in accordance with the new ambitious development framework.

MIKTA governments are committed to overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities so they can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with others and participate fully in economic and social life of their communities.

We strive to continue  improving equality for persons with disabilities in all aspects of public life, including service provision, health, education and employment, to support persons with disabilities to realize their full potential.

We recognize and respect the diversity of persons with disabilities, and the varied contributions they can make. We will strengthen our work to promote the rights of those facing multiple layers of discrimination, including women and girls with disabilities and persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

MIKTA countries have already implemented a range of measures to ensure the human rights of persons with disabilities are upheld. We recognise the importance of national human rights institutions in defending the rights of all persons, including those with disabilities, and in amplifying their voice.

We will keep working with our global partners and with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, recognising and supporting the central role of persons with disabilities in realising more equal and inclusive societies. In this regard we welcome the presence at COSP of so many participants with disabilities and their representative organisations.

Only through concerted action at the global, regional and national levels to fulfil our obligations under the CRPD will we ensure that no one is left behind.