On Tuesday, the UNITED NATIONS, Guyana called on the international community to provide more financial support for disability-inclusive development in developing countries.
Addressing the 17th Meeting of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, said that in a genuinely inclusive and sustainable world, people with disabilities must be empowered to live a life with dignity and respect. In this life, 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 supporting people with disabilities and that a register of people with disabilities is informing government policies and guiding interventions.
“All persons 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 provides specialized support for children through widespread teacher training and last year, Guyana established the Mahaica Disability Complex, a training and empowerment center that provides vital skills training.
She said business grants and interest-free loans complement this.
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 emphasizes 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 calls for more excellent international financing for Disability-Inclusive Development in developing countries.
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