Mister President,
I thank Slovenia and Guyana for organizing this meeting. I also thank Ms. Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Ms. Laetitia Courtois, of the ICRC and Ms. Emina Ćerimović of Human Rights Watch for their interventions.
The protection of civilians has been - and remains - at the heart of our commitment as an elected member of the Security Council. With Resolution 2475, this Council explicitly recognized the existing obligations of States to take into account the rights of people with disabilities in the context of the maintenance of international peace and security. By recalling the complementarity of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the obligations of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, the resolution provides a solid basis for taking concrete action. Five years on, it is crucial that the Council continues its efforts to ensure its effective implementation.
Last year, Switzerland funded a report on the implementation of Resolution 2475, produced by the International Disability Alliance. We would like to highlight three key aspects of this report :
Firstly, while international law, and in particular international humanitarian law, protects persons with disabilities in times of conflict, its application is rarely adapted to their needs. We must better take into account their specific needs when implementing our international obligations. In addition, access to justice and reparation mechanisms in the event of violations of these obligations must be guaranteed for people with disabilities, particularly in the post-conflict phase.
Secondly, the specific needs of persons with disabilities must be fully integrated into humanitarian responses and peacebuilding efforts. We need to raise awareness and training of UN and humanitarian actors regarding their rights and needs. To this end, it is essential to strengthen partnerships with organizations led by and for persons with disabilities.
Thirdly, persons with disabilities are agents of change. Resolution 2475 reminds us that people with disabilities are not only victims, but also leaders, advocates and peacemakers. Those of you who have already met Mr. Giles Duley, the first United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations, know the difference between a victim and a survivor. And you know why these rights make all the difference.
The inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the UN system is crucial. This requires that every policy, program and resolution embody the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination. We also call on the international community to allocate sufficient funds for this purpose.
Mister President,
Protecting persons with disabilities is not an act of charity, but a matter of justice, human rights and shared responsibility for humanity. By safeguarding their dignity and rights, we strengthen the fabric of our societies and the foundations of lasting peace. Switzerland will continue its commitment in this direction.
I thank you.